THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

RIVERSIDE 

GIFT  OF 

Dr.   Gordon  Watkins 


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EMPLOYERS'  ASSOCIATIONS 
IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 


A  STUDY  OF 
TYPICAL  ASSOCIATIONS 


THE  MACMILLAN  COMPANY 

KEW  YORK    •    BOSTON   •    CHICAGO  •    DALLAS 
ATLANTA  •    SAN  FRANCISCO 

MACMILLAN  &  CO.,  Limited 

LONDON  •    BOMBAY  •    CALCUTTA 
MELBOURNE 

THE  MACMILLAN  CO.  OF  CANADA,  Ltd. 

TORONTO 


EMPLOYERS'  ASSOCIATIONS  IN 
THE  UNITED  STATES: 

A  Study  of  Typical  Associations 


BY^e 
CLARENCE  ErBONNETT,  Ph.D. 

Professor  of  Economics 
Tulane  University  of  Louisiana 


J15eto  gotk 

THE  MACMILLAN  COMPANY 


1922 

AU  righU  reterved 


1>U 


OOPTEIGHT,   1922 

By  the  macmillan  compant. 


Set  up  and  electrotyped.     Published  April,  1912. 


PBUrrZD   IN    THE    UNITED   STATES    Or   AMERICA 


PREFACE 

The  justification  for  the  appearatnce  of  this  book  must 
be  found  in  the  need  for  a  treatise  on  employers'  associa- 
tions. Books  on  trade  unions  exist  in  abundance,  but  no 
book  heretofore  has  confined  itself  to  a  discussion  of  em- 
ployers' associations  in  the  United  States,  or,  for  that  mat- 
ter, in  any  English-speaking  country.  Some  of  the  books 
on  trade  unions,  labor  problems,  and  industrial  relations 
have  given  a  very  brief  treatment  of  the  subject  as  inci- 
dental to  an  understanding  of  unionism.  These  brief  treat- 
ments, however,  have  frequently  been  misleading,  both  as 
to  the  importance  and  character  of  the  association  move- 
ment. 

As  to  the  gross  neglect  of  the  subject,  an  illustration  of 
the  situation  will  suffice  at  this  point.  If  one  were  to  con- 
sult the  card  catalogues  of  the  chief  libraries  of  the  United 
States,  such  as  the  author  has  done,  (e.  g.,  the  Congres- 
sional Library,  the  John  Crerar  Library,  and  the  Library  of 
the  University  of  Chicago)  he  would  probably  find  at  this 
date  that  there  was  no  text  on  the  subject  in  English,  and 
that  the  references  were  very  meager  ijideed.  Let  him  con- 
sult the  references  listed  under  trade  unions,  and  the  contrast 
will  be  marked.  Of  the  two  great  rival  forces,  can  the  one 
be  of  such  over-shadowing  importance  compared  with  the 
other?  Does  the  relative  social  significance  of  trade  unions 
and  employers'  associations  justify  such  discrimination? 

The  association  movement  has  been  too  important,  has 
bad  too  profound  an  effect  upon  American  institutions,  has 
been  of  too  great  social  significance  to  have  deserved  thus  to 
be  passed  by  almost  unnoted.     As  this  book  attempts  to 


vi  Preface 

demonstrate,  the  association  movement  is  of  great  signifi- 
cance to  the  student  of:  (i)  business  organization  and 
management,  as  the  associations  are  not  only  a  type  of  busi- 
ness organization,  but  are  also  the  most  powerful  organiza- 
tions in  the  business  and  industrial  world;  (2)  trade  union- 
ism, because  they  have  been  the  defensive  and  offensive 
organizations  which  have  markedly  affected  the  form  and 
activities  of  the  trade  unions;  (3)  political  science,  because 
they  have  had  and  still  have  a  profound  effect  upon  govern- 
mental institutions;  (4)  revolutionary  movements,  because 
the  associations  are  the  alert  enemy  of  radicals  and  revolu- 
tionists; (5)  sociology  generally,  as  the  associations  are 
formal  groups  which  exercise  a  noteworthy  degree  of  social 
control,  and  they  with  the  unions  furnish  one  of  the  best  of 
illustrations  of  how  a  conflict  between  two  lesser  groups 
threatens  a  serious  modification  or  the  destruction  of  the 
larger  group;  (6)  economics,  and  especially  industrial  rela- 
tions, because  the  associations  are  fundamentally  economic 
institutions,  and  have  been  potent  factors  in  shaping  and 
maintaining  the  present  industrial  system,  as  well  as  in 
influencing  wages,  hours  and  working  conditions. 

The  book  should  prove  to  be  indispensable  to  the  asso- 
ciation leader  who  desires  to  learn  immediately  how  other 
associations  than  his  own  are  organized  and  function. 

Ignorance  as  to  the  existence  of  employers'  associations 
seems  to  be  much  more  general  than  on  any  other  subject 
of  equal  importance.  Far  less  is  known  of  their  nature  by 
the  vast  majority  of  our  people  than  is  known  about  labor 
unions  and  similar  movements.  Many  employers  who  know 
of  the  existence  of  an  association  in  their  field  of  business, 
are  unacquainted  with  the  real  nature  of  the  organization, 
and  remain  so  until  a  strike  or  other  labor  difficulty  causes 
them  to  appeal  for  help.^  Members  not  infrequently  have 
little  knowledge  of  their  own  association.     Mr.  O.  P.  Briggs, 


Preface  vii 

Honorary  Member  of  the  Administrative  Council  and  Ex- 
President  of  the  National  Founders'  Association,  has  com- 
plained thus  about  the  situation :  "  To  me  the  surpris- 
ing feature  of  this  is  that  so  few  proprietors  outside 
your  own  membership  appreciate  what  your  association 
has  accomplished."  ^  Withdrawals  usually  indicate  a 
lack  of  appreciation  on  the  part  of  former  members. 
A  man  so  well  informed  in  the  field  of  business  as 
Mr.  Pierre  N.  Beringer,  while  Associate  Editor,  Daily 
Commercial  News,  San  Francisco,  and  Editor,  National 
Prosperity  Publicity  Bureau,  New  York,  has  said,  "  The 
terrible  or  beneficent  industrial  war,  that  is  always  going  on 
in  times  of  so-called  peace,  is  a  necessary  part  of  our  evolu- 
tion. It  is  carried  on  in  this  country  by  two  elements, 
capital  and  labor;  the  first  powerful  and  unorganised,  the 
second  powerful  and  organised."  *  Mr.  Beringer,  while 
recognizing  the  existence  of  the  conflict,  appears  to  be  par- 
tially informed  on  the  real  character  of  the  conflict,  and  in 
regard  to  one  of  the  organized  contestants,  namely  the  em- 
ployers' associations.  Intent  on  the  part  of  associations  and 
oversight  on  the  part  of  individuals  who  know,  have  caused 
associations  rarely  to  receive  credit  for  their  great  accom- 
plishments. For  specific  cases  where  intent  is  shown,  we  may 
take  the  accounts  of  the  general  establishment  of  the  open 
shop  in  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  and  Dayton,  Ohio,  as 
given  in  American  Industries,'^  May  i,  and  July  i,  1909. 
No  mention  was  made  of  the  association  or  associations 
which  wrought  the  change.  Perhaps  this  situation  partly 
explains  why  ofiicers  and  members  of  the  unions  lack  much 
detailed  information  on  the  subject. 

The  terminology  employed  in  this  book  is  generally  that 
used  in  the  literature  of  the  associations.  To  have  made  up 
a  new  terminology  would  have  served  no  useful  purpose, 
and  to  have  attempted  to  translate  or  explain  all  the  numer- 


viii  Preface 

ous  quotations  given,  in  the  terminology  of  the  unions  would 
have  added  greatly  to  the  text,  or  to  the  task  of  the  reader, 
or  have  made  the  book  take  on  a  confused  viewpoint.  The 
book  in  its  present  form  and  terminology,  is  a  serious  attempt 
to  approach  the  problem  from  the  standpoint  of  the  general 
public.  Had  the  general  public  a  terminology,  that  would 
have  been  used,  but  as  a  choice  between  association  and 
union  terms  had  to  be  made,  the  author,  after  due  considera- 
tion, chose  the  former.  The  use  of  the  terminology  carries 
with  it,  in  this  case,  neither  approval  nor  disapproval. 

After  a  ten-years'  study  of  the  subject  of  employers'  asso- 
ciations, the  author  deems  that  the  time  is  most  opportune  for 
the  appearance  of  the  book.  Recent  developments  among 
both  the  trade  unions  and  the  employers'  associations  are 
assuming  more  and  more  a  nation-wide,  if  not  a  world- 
wide significance.  There  are,  for  instance,  more  than 
5,000,000  organized  workers  in  the  United  States, —  what  is 
to  prevent  them  from  seizing  control  of  the  government 
and  industries  of  the  country,  should  they  once  decide  on 
such  a  program?  Is  there  no  concentration  of  forces  to 
oppose  such  a  movement,  once  it  starts?  That  a  counter- 
acting movement  exists  and  is  growing  rapidly,  is  one  of  the 
facts  set  forth  in  the  following  pages.  Even  at  this  writing, 
open-shop  federations  are  endeavoring  to  co-ordinate 
all  the  existing  local  open-shop  organizations  of  the  country 
and  to  form  new  ones  where  none  now  exists.  A  current 
analysis  of  a  developing  situation,  made  as  accurate  as  con- 
ditions will  allow,  is  of  far  more  value  in  a  practical  world, 
than  a  post-mortem  discussion. 

The  sources  of  information  of  this  book  are:  (i)  numer- 
ous interviews  with  association  leaders;  (2)  letters  from 
the  associations  on  specific  subjects;  (3)  the  printed  litera- 
ture of  the  associations,  some  of  which  is  not  for  general 
distribution;  (4)  public  documents,  such  as  committee  hear- 
ings where  the  representatives  of  the  associations  presented 


Preface  ix 

certain  information;  and  (5)  trade  publications,  and  other 
literature  of  a  similar  and  diverse  character. 

It  is  by  no  means  an  easy  matter  to  secure  all,  or  even  a 
large  portion  of  the  printed  literature  issued  by  any  asso- 
ciation. But  once  it  is  secured,  there  is  little  that  one  might 
desire  to  know  about  the  association  that  cannot  be  found 
by  an  extensive  and  careful  research  therein.  In  the 
first  drafts  of  this  book,  many  references  were  made  to  in- 
terviews, but  subsequent  research  has  enabled  the  author  to 
supplant  practically  every  one  of  these  with  a  reference  to 
a  printed  page  or  combination  of  printed  pages.  Obviously, 
the  latter  form  of  reference  is  more  desirable  to  any  student 
who  cares  to  pursue  a  topic  further  than  it  is  treated  in  this 
book.  But  it  must  not  be  assumed  that,  because  the  ref- 
erences are  mainly  to  the  printed  literature,  it  is  the  only  or 
even  the  real  source  of  information.  In  fact,  some 
of  the  most  valuable  printed  literature  was  obtained  only 
after  the  author  had  convinced  the  association  leaders  that  he 
was  acquainted  with  the  situation. 

The  author  must  acknowledge  the  help  that  he  has  received 
from  three  groups :  ( i )  the  association  leaders  who  have 
furnished  him  with  much  of  the  information,  and  without 
which  the  book  would  not  have  been  possible  1(2)  those  who 
read  the  book  in  manuscript  form,  and  gave  him  the  benefit 
of  valuable  suggestions,  criticisms,  and  encouragement;  (3) 
others  who  furnished  him  with  literature,  information  and 
suggestions. 

To  the  leaders  of  the  associations  discussed  in  this  book, 
acknowledgment  is  made  for  the  literature  and  informa- 
tion used  herein,  and  for  their  criticisms  of  the  chapter 
dealing  with  their  association.  Every  chapter  but  the  Intro- 
duction and  the  Summary  and  Conclusions,  has  been  read  by 
the  associations  concerned.  Some  have  merely  stated  that 
the  information  given  in  the  chapter  is  correct;  others  have 
pointed  out  slight  errors  in  the  matter  dealing  with  the  pres- 


X  Preface 

ent  situation;  while  others  have  suggested  valuable  addi- 
tions. One  protested  against  the  publication  of  its  chapter, 
although  it  did  not  point  out  an  error  in  statement  of  facts. 
The  book  is,  accordingly,  as  accurate  as  it  could  be  made  up 
to  the  time  it  went  to  press  in  the  latter  part  of  192 1. 

Acknowledgment  is  also  made  to  those  who  read  the 
manuscript  at  some  stage  of  its  preparation.  Among  those 
are  Professor  H.  A.  Millis,  Professor  James  A.  Field,  and 
other  members  of  the  Department  of  Political  Economy  of 
the  University  of  Chicago,  and  Professor  William  Z.  Ripley 
of  Harvard  University.  Professor  Millis,  in  the  midst  of 
many  pressing  duties,  read  the  manuscript  at  various  stages 
of  its  development,  and  gave  suggestions  and  criticisms  at 
each  reading.  Professor  Ripley  is  remembered  for  his  kind 
words  of  encouragement  as  well  as  his  suggestions  for  the 
improvement  of  the  manuscript,  all  of  which  have  been  incor- 
porated in  the  text. 

To  the  late  Professor  Hoxie  of  the  University  of  Chicago, 
the  author  is  especially  indebted  for  the  suggestion  of  the 
need  for  a  study  of  this  sort.  Professor  Hoxie  had  read  an 
early  draft  of  the  manuscript,  but  his  heavy  duties  and  sub- 
sequent illness,  prevented  him  from  giving  the  author  the 
benefit  of  any  detailed  criticisms.  To  John  C.  Kennedy  also 
thanks  must  be  given  for  his  kindness  in  relinquishing  his 
prior  claims  to  a  study  of  the  subject,  along  with  printed 
literature  which  he  had  collected  on  some  phases  of  the 
study.  To  others  whose  help  has  not  been  so  vital  or  ex- 
tensive —  and  they  are  many  —  the  author  makes  ac- 
knowledgment without  naming  them. 

1  Synopsis  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Sixteenth  Annual  Convention, 
National  Metal  Trades  Association,  p.  30;  My  *I5  Review  of  the 
National  Founders'  Association,  p.  205.     ^"D  '11  Review,  p.  16. 

3  N  '14  American  Industries,  p.  13. 

*  My  (i)  'OQ  American  Industries,  p.  14;  Jl  (i)  '09  American  Indus- 
tries, p.  II ;  See  also  issues  for  N  (i)  '09,  pp.  2^-29 ;  N  (15)  '09,  p.  18; 
and  D  '09  Review,  p.  15. 


ADDRESSES 

Of  the  Associations  Discussed  at  Length  in  the  Following 

Pages : 
The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association,  826  Con- 

nell  Building,  Scranton,  Pennsylvania. 
The  National  Founders'  Association,  Room  716,  29  South  La 

Salle  Street,  Chicago,  Illinois. 
The  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  1021-1023  Peoples 

Gas  Building,  Chicago,  Illinois. 
The  National  Erectors'  Association,  286  Fifth  Avenue,  New 

York  City. 
The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  of  New  York 

City,  30-34  West  33rd  Street,  New  York  City. 
The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association,  807-810 

Chamber  of  Commerce  Building,  Chicago,  Illinois. 
The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association,  905  World 

Building,  New  York  City;  The  Special  Standing  Com- 
mittee of  the  A.  N.  P.  A.,  831-832  Occidental  Building, 

Indianapolis,  Indiana. 
The  United  Typothetae  of  America,  608  S.  Dearborn  Street, 

Chicago ;  The  Open  Shop  Division,  U.  T.  A.,  State  House 

Square,  Indianapolis,  Indiana;  The  Closed  Shop  Division, 

care  Western  Newspaper  Union,  Chicago. 
The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  50  Church  Street, 

New  York  City ;  The  National  Industrial  Council,  Union 

Trust  Building,  Washington,  D.  C. 
The    National    Civic    Federation,    33rd    Floor,    Metropolitan 

Tower,  New  York  City. 
The  League  for  Industrial  Rights,  42  Broadway,  New  York 

City. 
The    National    Industrial    Conference    Board,    10   East    39th 

Street,  New  York  City. 
The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis,   1406  Merchants 

Bank  Building,  Indianapolis,  Indiana. 


XI 


CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTION 

PAOE 

CHAPTER  I.— THE  INDUSTRIAL  CONFLICT  ....  3-34 
The  problem  of  the  industrial  conflict,  3.  Its  evolution,  3. 
How  commercial,  industrial  and  financial  developments  have 
affected  industrial  relations,  4.  The  agitator  and  the  union,  6. 
Development  of  unions,  7.  The  American  Federation  of  Labor, 
8.  Its  purpose  and  objects,  10.  The  changing  issues,  11. 
Employers'  associations,  defined,  13.  Why  the  employers  or- 
ganize, 15.  Need  for  associations,  17.  Handicaps  of  inde- 
pendent employer,  18.  How  the  employers  organize,  20.  Types 
of  associations,  20.  Development  of  associations,  21.  Evolu- 
tion of  national  associations,  21.  Negotiatory  associations,  22. 
Belligerent  associations,  24.  Unionism  checked  before  the  war, 
25.  War  gave  strategic  position  to  unions,  ^.  Renewed 
belligerency,  28.  Unionism  losing  ground,  28.  Record  of 
strikes  and  lockouts,  29.  Recent  developments  in  the  conflict, 
30.  Characterization  of  typical  associations,  ^.  References, 
34- 

PART  I 

ASSOCIATIONS  IN  THE  IRON  AND  STEEL  INDUSTRY 

CHAPTER     II.— THE     STOVE     FOUNDERS'     NATIONAL 

DEFENSE   ASSOCIATION        37-^2 

Membership,  yj.  Structure  and  government,  37.  Objects, 
38.  Obligation  of  members,  38.  Dues  and  funds,  39.  Evolu- 
tion of  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.,  40.  Declaration  of  principles,  43. 
Methods  for  settling  strikes,  44.  Combating  strikes,  45.  Pre- 
venting strikes,  47.  Conference  agreements,  47.  Terms  of 
agreements,  50.  Resolutions,  59.  Dominance  of  S.  F.  N.  D. 
A.,  59.    Interrelations,  60.    References,  61-62. 

CHAPTER  III.— THE  NATIONAL  FOUNDERS'   ASSOCIA- 
TION      63-97 

Membership,  63.  Government,  64.  Obligation  of  members, 
65.  Dues  and  funds,  65.  Objects,  66.  Evolution,  66.  New 
York  agreement,  68.  Break-down  of  New  York  agreement, 
69.  Outline  of  policy,  71.  Methods  and  activities,  procedure 
in  labor  difficulties,  73.    Combating  strikes,  methods  and  activ- 

xiii 


xiv  CONTENTS 

PAOB 

ities,  74.  Guards,  75.  Strike-breaking  record,  76.  Prevent- 
ing strikes,  78.  Secret  service,  79.  Keeping  agitator  out  of 
shop,  80.  Molding  machines  and  training  workmen,  80.  Ser- 
vice bureau,  82.  Safety  and  Sanitation,  82.  Industrial  educa- 
tion, 83.  Other  preventive  measures,  83.  The  Open  Shop 
Review,  84.  Indictment  of  unionism,  86.  Other  literature  and 
propaganda,  88.  Legislative  and  political  activities,  89.  Inter- 
relations, 91.     References,  93-97- 

CHAPTER    IV.— THE    NATIONAL    METAL    TRADES    AS- 
SOCIATION           98-136 

Membership,  98.  Structure  and  government,  99.  Funds 
and  dues,  100.  Obligation  of  members,  loi.  Objects,  loi. 
Declaration  of  principles,  lOi.  Evolution,  103.  Combating 
strikes,  107.  Methods,  108.  Regulations  regarding  support 
of  a  member  during  a  strike,  no.  Preventing  strikes,  112. 
Secret  service,  112.  Other  preventive  measures,  113.  Good 
working  conditions  and  good  wages,  114.  Schedules  of  wages 
and  hours,  115.  War  on  closed  shop,  116.  Labor  bureaus, 
11.7.  Legislative  and  political  activities,  J18.  Anti-boycott 
activities,  121.  Industrial  betterment  activities,  122.  Industrial 
education,  123.  Accident  prevention,  124.  Educational  work, 
method  and  means,  125.  Interrelations,  128.  Summary,  131. 
References,  133-136. 

CHAPTER    v.— THE    NATIONAL    ERECTORS'    ASSOCIA- 
TION     137-150 

Membership,  137.  Objects,  138.  Evolution,  138.  War  upon 
closed-shop  unionism,  141.  War  upon  dynamiters,  143.  Fought 
unionism  during  the  war,  144.  Opposition  to  closed  shop  un- 
relaxed,  145.  Legislative  and  governmental  activities,  146. 
Other  associations,  147.  Comparison  of  associations,  1481. 
References,  149-150. 

PART  II 

ASSOCIATIONS  IN  THE  BUILDING  INDUSTRY 

CHAPTER    VI.— THE    BUILDING    TRADES    EMPLOYERS' 

ASSOCIATION  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY I53-I77 

Membership,  153.  Objects,  154.  Government,  154.  Board 
of  governors,  powers,  duties  and  decisions,  156.  Dues,  158. 
Duties  imposed  on  members,  159.  Evolution,  160.  General 
arbitration  board,  163.  Break-down  of  the  plan  in  1910,  164. 
Restoration  of  the  plan  in  1920,  166.  New  agreement,  167. 
Success  or  failure  of  negotiations,  160.  Interpretations  of 
policy  of  negotiations,  171.  Belligerent  activities,  174.  Inter- 
relations, 174.     References,  176-177. 


CONTENTS  XV 

PAGE 

CHAPTER    VII.— THE    BUILDING    CONSTRUCTION    EM- 
PLOYERS' ASSOCIATION  OF  CHICAGO     ....   178-204 

Membership,  178.  Objects,  178.  Government,  179.  Execu- 
tive board,  powers,  duties,  committees,  180.  Obligations 
of  members,  182.  Funds  and  dues,  182.  Evolution,  183. 
Labor  troubles  and  graft,  184.  Boycotting,  186.  Handling 
labor  disputes,  187.  Joint  conference  board,  189.  Cardinal 
principles,  191.  Uniform  form  of  agreement,  192.  Success 
or  failure  of  the  agreement,  194.  Subcontracts,  195.  Other 
activities,  196.  Interrelations,  197.  Summary  of  structure  and 
activities,  200.    Other  associations,  201.    References,   203-204. 


PART  III 

ASSOCIATIONS  IN  THE  PRINTING  INDUSTRY 

CHAPTER    VIII.— THE    AMERICAN    NEWSPAPER    PUB- 
LISHERS' ASSOCIATION 207-225 

Membership,  207.  Special  standing  committee,  208.  Inter- 
national arbitration  agreements,  209.  Local  arbitration,  209. 
National  arbitration,  213.  International  board  of  arbitration, 
215.  Evolution,  217.  Agreements  not  wholly  satisfactory,  221. 
Field  service,  221.  Other  labor  activities,  221.  Government  of 
A.  N.  P.  A.,  222.  Dues,  223.  Interrelations,  224.  References, 
225. 

CHAPTER   IX.— THE  UNITED  TYPOTHETyE   OF  AMER- 
ICA         226-288 

Membership,  226.  Structure  and  government,  228.  Objects, 
229.  Declaration  of  Policy,  229.  Evolution,  232.  Struggle 
over  nine-hour  day,  232.  Struggle  over  eight-hour  day,  233. 
Struggle  over  the  forty-four-hour  week,  234.  Belligerency 
towards  closed  shop,  236.  War  upon  union  label,  238.  Work- 
ing card,  240.  National  bureau  of  information,  241.  Depart- 
ment of  industrial  relations,  242.  Labor  bureaus,  243.  Com- 
bating strikes,  245.  Emergency  fund,  246.  Changes  in  con- 
trol over  labor  matters,  248.  Cause  of  change,  249.  Negotia- 
tions and  arbitration,  251.  Industrial  betterment,  252.  In- 
dustrial education,  255.  Printing  schools  fostered,  255.  Ap- 
prenticeship, 258.  Legislative  activities,  259.  Litigation,  260. 
Open-  and  closed-shop  divisions,  261.  Evolution,  261.  Break 
of  open-shop  division  with  U.  T.  A.,  264,  Restoration  of  open- 
shop  division  attempted,  267.  Open-shop  division's  objects,  269. 
Membership,  269.  Fees  and  dues,  269.  Government,  270. 
Declaration  of  principle,  271.  Duties  and  privileges  of  mem- 
bers, 271.  Closed-shop  division,  272.  Objects,  '^z.  Member- 
ship, 274.  Fees  and  dues,  275.  Obligation  of  members,  275. 
Government,  275.  International  joint  conference  council,  276. 
Cardinal    principles,    277.    Local    conciliation,    278.     Interrela- 


XVI  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

tions,   279.    Comparison,   281.    Other  associations,   282,    Ref- 
erences, 283-288. 

PART  IV 

ASSOCIATIONS  IN  THE  FIELDS  OF  PROPAGANDA, 
LEGISLATION    AND    LITIGATION 

CHAPTER  X.— THE  NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  MANU- 
FACTURERS        291-385 

Membership,  291.  Strength,  292.  Government,  Board  of 
directors,  293.  Objects,  295.  Declaration  of  principles,  296. 
Evolution,  298.  Attitude  toward  unionism,  302.  Ideas  of 
law  and  of  rights,  305.  Legislative  activities,  308.  Legisla- 
tion opposed,  308.  Causes  of  legislative  activities,  312.  Suc- 
cess in  opposing  state  legislation,  313.  Governmental  activ- 
ities, 315.  Legislation  sought,  318.  Methods  in  legislative 
matters,  321.  Political  activities,  325.  Party  platforms,  321. 
Political  campaigns,  326.  Political  endorsements  and  con- 
demnations, 329.  Expose  labor  vote,  332.  Urge  business  men 
to  go  into  politics,  332.  Defending  the  courts,  334.  Law  en- 
forcement, 335.  Propaganda,  336.  American  Industries,  337. 
Influencing  the  press,  340.  Educational  literature  and  other 
publications,  342.  Addresses  and  revival  meetings,  344.  En- 
listing public  support,  347.  Condemning  reformers  and  agita- 
tors, 348.  Censure  for  bad  employer,  350.  Appeal  to  workers, 
351.  Summary  of  propaganda  activities,  353.  Defending 
manufacturer,  356.  Accident  prevention,  357.  Industrial  educa- 
tion, 358.  Industrial  betterment,  359.  National  industrial  con- 
servation campaign,  359.  Interrelations,  361.  Open-shop  de- 
partment, 367.  THE  NATIONAL  INDUSTRIAL  COUNCIL,  372.  Ob- 
jects, 373.  Membership,  373.  Government,  373.  Evolution, 
374.     References,  377-385- 

CHAPTER  XL— THE  NATIONAL  CIVIC  FEDERATION  386-448 
Membership,  386.  Government,  387.  Executive  committee, 
388.  Purpose,  389.  Theories,  390.  Evolution,  397.  Depart- 
ments, 398.  Activities,  mediation  and  arbitration,  399.  Activ- 
ities, how  conducted,  400.  Successes  and  failures,  402.  Some 
illustrative  cases,  403.  Promotion  of  trade  agreements  and  con- 
ferences upon,  409.  Mediatory  legislation,  412.  Other  legisla- 
tive activities,  413.  Workmen's  compensation,  414.  Accident 
prevention,  415.  Welfare  work,  416.  Welfare  department, 
418.  Women's  department,  422.  Propaganda,  425.  Discus- 
sions and  conferences,  426.  Investigations  and  reports,  427. 
Lecture  bureau,  428.  Publications,  429.  National  Civic  Federa- 
tion Review,  429.  Department  of  industrial  economics.  432. 
Defending  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  435.     Attacking 


CONTENTS  xvu 

rxox 
Socialism  and   revolutionary  movements,   437.    Interrelations, 
442.    References,  444-448. 

CHAPTER  XII.— THE  LEAGUE  FOR  INDUSTRIAL  RIGHTS 

449-474 

(Formerly  the  American  anti -boycott  association)  Mem- 
bership, 449.  Government,  450.  Dues,  450.  Objects,  451. 
Program,  453.  Combats  unionism  along  legal  lines,  454. 
Legislative  activities,  456.  Political  activities,  458.  Litiga- 
tion, 458.  Noted  cases,  458.  Illustrative  cases,  460.  Advice 
to  members,  462.  Study  of  labor  contracts,  463.  Educating 
the  public,  464.  Law  and  Labor,  465.  Other  publications,  465. 
Educating  the  workman,  467.  Instructing  its  membership, 
468.    Interrelations,  470.    Re'ferences,  471-474. 

CHAPTER    XIII.— THE    NATIONAL    INDUSTRIAL    CON- 
FERENCE BOARD 475-495 

Membership,  475.  Structure  and  government,  475.  Funds, 
476.  Character,  purposes  and  scope,  476.  Reasons  for  forma- 
tion, 479.  Research  work,  482.  Reports,  484.  Other  investi- 
gations and  publications,  485.  Methods  used  in  conducting  re- 
search work,  487.  Industrial  News  Survey,  489.  Governmental 
and  legislative  activities,  489.  Interrelations,  493.  References, 
494-495- 

PART  V 

A  LOCAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  NATIONAL  SIGNIFICANCE 

CHAPTER    XIV.— THE    ASSOCIATED    EMPLOYERS    OF 

INDIANAPOLIS,  Inc 499-544 

Membership,  499.  Revenue  and  dues,  500.  Government, 
SCO.  Purposes  and  objects,  501.  Aims,  502.  Declaration  of 
principles,  502.  Pledge,  503.  Activities  of  national  signifi- 
cance, 503.  Employment  bureau,  504.  Reducing  agitation  and 
strikes,  505.  Independent  employee  contract,  505.  Notice  to 
employees,  507.  Information  as  to  agitation,  509.  Reducing 
causes  for  agitation,  509.  Attack  on  agitators,  512.  Condemns 
American  Federation  of  Labor  and  closed-shop  unionism,  514. 
Contrasts  open-  and  closed-shop  conditions,  517.  Industrial 
education,  518.  Urges  wider  organization,  519.  Combating 
strikes,  522.  Labor  legislation  and  litigation,  525.  Anti- 
picketing  ordinance,  527.  Other  legislative  activities,  529. 
Political  activities,  532.  Patriotic  activities,  534.  Educational 
work,  536.  Literature  circulated,  extent,  illustrations,  536. 
Interrelations,  538.  Evolution,  538.  Co-operation,  540.  Pro- 
moting federation,  541.    References,  541-544. 

CHAPTER  XV.— SUMMARY  AND  CONCLUSIONS     .     .  545-560 
Names  of  associations,  545.    Territory  covered,  545.     Num- 
ber   of    members,    546.    Qualifications    for    membership,    547. 


xviii  CONTENTS 

PAOK 

Objects,  548.  Government,  549.  Funds,  549.  Obligations,  550. 
Activities,  550.  Interrelations,  552.  Conclusions,  552.  Evolu- 
tion in  types  and  activities,  554.  Relation  of  prosperity  to 
activities,  555.  Outlook  for  solution,  555.  Confusion  of 
issues,  556.  Issue  of  unionism,  557.  Conflict  should  be  con- 
trolled, SS8.  Compulsory  arbitration,  558.  Labor  troubles 
ahead,  559. 

INDICES 

INDEX   TO   ASSOCIATIONS         561 

INDEX  TO  PUBLICATIONS 568 

GENERAL  INDEX         574 


INTRODUCTION 


Employers'  Associations 
in  the  United  States 

A  Study  of  Typical  Associations 

CHAPTER  I 

THE  INDUSTRIAL  CONFLICT 

The  problem  of  the  industrial  conflict  recurrently  por- 
trays itself  to  the  American  public  largely  by  means  of 
strikes  of  national  magnitude.  While  such  strikes  form 
only  a  very  small  part  of  the  entire  series  of  manifesta- 
tions, they  probably  reveal  more  vividly  the  struggle  than 
do  other  no  less  important  encounters,  such  as  contests 
over  legislation  or  before  the  courts.  So  varied  are  the 
ramifications  of  the  conflict  that  it  vitally  affects  most  of 
our  social  institutions,  the  press,  the  church,  the  school, 
private  property,  the  courts  —  in  fact,  all  branches  of  gov- 
ernment, and  accordingly,  the  government  itself.  No  social 
institution  is  exempt  from  influences  of  the  struggle. 

The  Evolution  of  the  Industrial  Conflict  is  a  phase  of 
the  development  of  capitalism.  There  have  always  been 
differences  between  employer  and  employee,  but  these  have 
usually  been  settled,  where  the  direct  personal  relation 
existed,  by  the  parties  themselves  without  the  intervention 
of  a  third  party  or  of  some  agency  of  the  government.     In 

3 


4  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  early  days  in  the  United  States,  the  country  was  mainly 
agricultural;  the  farm  owner  had  few  employees  and  he 
worked  with  these  in  person.  The  plantation  owner,  of 
course,  had  his  slaves  and  his  supervisors,  but  the  slave 
owner  had  relatively  little  trouble  with  his  slaves  until  the 
aboHtionist  —  an  outsider  —  appeared.  In  colonial  days, 
industrial  disputes  occurred  only  in  such  industrial  centers 
as  New  York,  Boston,  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore,  where 
shops  were  to  be  found  in  which  the  employers  each  had 
a  number  of  employees,  so  that  there  were  found  groups 
of  employers  and  of  employees  in  the  well  developed  trades. 
The  personal  relationship  still  existed,  but  the  employer  had 
become  a  manager  rather  than  a  fellow  workman  with  his 
employees.  He  associated  with  other  employers  rather  than 
with  his  workmen.  His  problems  began  to  differ  from 
theirs  in  certain  respects.  The  employees  of  one  shop 
mingled  with  the  employees  of  the  other  shops,  and  found 
that  their  industrial  problems  were  the  same.  Wars  came 
on,  and  with  them  came  diminished  products  and  currency 
inflation  so  that  prices  rose  and  the  cost  of  living  in- 
creased. By  united  action,  the  employees  forced  up  their 
"wage  rates.  The  employers  combined  formally,  where  be- 
fore they  had  associated  informally,  to  resist  more  ef- 
ficiently the  wage  advances,  or  to  force  a  reduction  of  wages 
when  the  inevitable  depression  came.  As  the  shop  grew 
into  a  factory,  the  employer  became  further  removed  from 
his  workmen.  He  became  a  superintendent  of  foremen. 
The  foreman  dealt  with  the  employment  relations.  As  the 
factory  grew  in  size,  the  employer's  problems  became  com- 
mercial and  financial  rather  than  industrial.  He  had  to 
give  more  and  more  attention  to  the  problem  of  selling  the 
product  of  the  factory,  and  to  the  task  of  securing  funds 
to  finance  his  operations.  His  most  pressing  problems  were 
little  understood  or  appreciated  by  his  workmen.  He  did 
not  have  time  at  his  disposal  to  listen  to  the  grievances  of 


The  Industrial  Conflict  5 

each  of  his  workmen  individually.  If  his  foreman  could 
not  adjust  matters,  the  workman  with  a  grievance  was  dis- 
charged. The  foreman  was  held  responsible  for  results 
only.  Having  a  bountiful  supply  of  labor  at  hand  through 
almost  unrestricted  immigration,  he  became  an  autocrat, 
A  too  lenient  foreman  failed  to  make  the  showing  that 
arbitrary  bosses  made,  and  so  was  not  promoted  or  was 
even  reduced  again  to  the  ranks  of  the  worker, —  the  worst 
type  of  employer  is  to  be  found  among  those  who  have  risen 
from  the  ranks  of  laborers.  This  situation  was  further 
intensified  by  the  growth  of  the  corporation,  the  owners  of 
which  were  stockholders  in  the  main  far  removed  from  the 
industrial  process.  The  pressure  brought  to  bear  upon  the 
manager  was  for  dividends,  and  this  pressure  was  trans- 
mitted in  a  more  intense  form  to  the  foreman  until  the 
stress  upon  the  workmen  became  so  great  that  a  feeling 
of  animosity  towards  the  employer  class  grew  out  of  the 
employment  relation.  The  exploitation  of  natural  resources 
gave  to  the  fortunate  or  shrewd  enterpriser  an  opportunity 
to  acquire  great  wealth,  but  the  growing  disparity  in  the 
distribution  of  wealth,  coupled  with  the  oppressive  industrial 
conditions,  gave  the  agitator  almost  irresistible  arguments 
to  urge  the  workmen  to  organize.  Vast  hordes  of  immi- 
grants made  wages  low,  and  the  supply  of  labor  was  suffi- 
cient so  that  the  employer  felt  no  concern  over  the  loss  of 
an  individual  employee, —  the  cost  of  labor  turnover  was 
then  wholly  unappreciated.  The  employer-manager  was 
forced  to  listen  to  grievances  of  his  workmen,  only  when 
they  suddenly  walked  out  in  a  body.  In  the  bargaining 
relation,  the  foreman,  acting  under  the  transmitted  pressure 
of  the  stockholders  for  dividends,  drove  a  hard  bargain  with 
the  workmen.  He  knew  the  condition  of  the  labor  market, 
and  the  imperative  needs  of  the  workmen  for  jobs.  If  he 
could  not  employ  a  particular  applicant  for  a  job,  the 
matter  was  of  no  consequence, —  plenty  of  applicants  made 


6  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

him  indq)endent.  Under  such  conditions,  there  were  only 
two  things  to  deter  a  workman  from  joining  a  union  when 
the  agitators  promised  him  better  working  conditions  and 
wages:  (i)  the  fear  that  he  might  lose  his  job  if  he  joined 
the  union,  (2)  the  feeling  that  he  could  ill  afford  to  sacrifice 
a  part  of  his  low  wages  to  pay  the  union  dues.  Secret 
membership  and  low  dues  usually  overcame  these  objec- 
tions. So  whether  he  joined  the  union  or  not,  he  co-oper- 
ated with  it  in  a  walkout,  probably  at  the  same  time  telling 
the  manager  or  foreman  that  he  was  satisfied  with  wages 
and  working  conditions,  merely  as  a  precautionary  measure 
to  secure  his  old  job  should  the  strike  fail.  The  employer- 
manager,  thus  deceived,  attributed  the  entire  trouble  to  the 
agitators,  and  so  made  extraordinary  efforts  to  clean  his 
factory  of  agitators.  Co-operating  with  other  employers, 
either  informally  or  formally,  he  made  war  on  the  agitators, 
and  as  a  consequence  the  thoroughgoing  agitator  soon  found 
himself  blacklisted  and  almost  unable  to  get  a  job  any- 
where at  his  trade.  He  faced  the  alternative  of  seeking 
another  trade  and  quitting  his  agitation,  or  of  becoming 
a  professional  agitator.  To  become  a  professional  agitator 
was  the  easier  and  it  offered  opportunity  for  revenge  upon 
the  employers  who  had  blacklisted  him.  As  a  professional, 
he  acquired  a  knowledge  of  conditions  and  a  skill  that 
made  him  superior  to  the  employer  in  dealing  with  labor 
matters.  The  employers  retaliated  by  securing  professional 
representatives  in  industrial  relations.  The  employers,  al- 
ready co-operating  in  a  trade  association  to  deal  with  prices, 
or  trade  conditions,  readily  had  that  association  deal  with 
labor  problems,  or  formed  a  new  organization  for  this  pur- 
pose. As  the  market  became  nation-wide  through  improved 
transportation,  the  competitive  area  was  widened  to  that 
of  the  nation  and  national  organizations  resulted.  The 
unions  having  to  meet  nation-wide  resistance,  in  turn  be- 
came national.     Then  came  the  era  of  super-organization, 


The  Industrial  Conflict  7 

and  the  direction  of  industrial  affairs  by  financial  institu- 
tions with  the  financial  viewpoint  foremost.  Trusts,  hold- 
ing companies,  interlocking  directorates  and  other  sorts 
of  combinations  were  the  order  of  the  day.  The  unions 
also  adopted  forms  of  super-organization  and  combined  and 
federated  until  the  interrelationships  became  a  maze. 
Combinations  of  employers  even  conspired  with  combina- 
tions of  workmen  for  the  purpose  of  monopolizing  the  par- 
ticular field  in  which  they  operated, —  the  combined  em- 
ployers utilized  the  union  to  crush  or  force  independents 
to  conform  to  certain  standards,  to  increase  charges,  rates, 
or  prices;  and  the  employers  logically  agreed  to  employ 
union  men  exclusively.  Obviously  such  forces  have  added 
complexity  to  the  already  complex  industrial  conflict.  As 
a  result,  some  employers  would  be  fighting  unions  while 
other  employers  would  be  supporting  the  unions,  only  in 
turn  to  be  fought  by  the  first  group  of  employers. 

Development  of  Unions. —  Unionism  was  the  natural 
outgrowth  of  the  conditions  hastily  sketched  above.  Ex- 
cept for  the  double  combinations  of  employers  and  work- 
men, practically  all  the  developments  in  the  industrial  world 
tended  to  separate  employers  from  their  workmen  and 
to  set  them  apart  into  rival  groups.  Every  clash  of  in- 
terest, as  time  progressed,  grew  larger  in  scale  and  occa- 
sionally resulted  in  a  fierce  struggle  that  aroused  lasting 
bitterness.  Each  group  came  to  regard  the  other  as  an 
enemy  to  which  it  would  yield  nothing  except  under  com- 
pulsion. Animosity,  once  thus  aroused,  caused  the  em- 
ployer, on  one  hand,  to  feel  that  any  show  of  moderation 
by  the  workers  revealed  an  element  of  weakness  on  their 
part,  and  led  the  workers,  on  the  other  hand,  to  place  under 
suspicion,  as  subtle  attempts  to  wreck  the  union,  any  volun- 
tary grants  of  better  hours,  higher  wages  or  bettering  of 
working  conditions.  Frequently  these  grants  were  taken 
as  prima-facie  evidence  that  the  employer  could  make  ad- 


8  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ditional  concessions,  and  so  he  had  other  demands  to  grant 
or  resist.  It  thus  came  to  pass  that  the  employer  generally 
made  concessions  only  under  compulsion  by  the  union  or 
because  of  fear  of  the  union,  and  so  the  workmen  reasoned 
more  and  more  that  the  union  was  the  only  means  by  which 
their  lot  could  be  bettered.  The  employer  or  his  associa- 
tion, accordingly,  either  bargained  or  fought,  sometimes 
bargained  and  fought  and  then  bargained  again. 

In  the  period  up  to  about  1880,  the  unions  were  gen- 
erally of  an  ephemeral  character, —  they  lacked  permanence 
largely  because  of  the  shifting  industrial  conditions.  Few 
could  weather  a  long  drawn  out  depression.  Union 
members  have  been,  and  generally  are  still,  short-sighted. 
They  regard  the  union  as  efficient  only  when  it  can  ob- 
tain an  advance  in  wages  or  a  reduction  in  hours  of  labor 
or  a  bettering  of  working  conditions  or  can  secure  em- 
ployment for  them.  During  a  depression,  the  union  rarely 
can  obtain  any  of  these,  and  the  workman  then  feels  the 
need  for  curtailing  expenses,  so  he  allows  his  union 
membership  to  lapse.  This  short-sighted  attitude  of  union 
members  generally  has  resulted  in  two  things :  ( i )  the 
union  officials  want  to  have  something  happening  in  in- 
dustrial relations  so  that  the  union  member  will  feel  that 
the  union  is  alive  and  active,  (2)  the  union  strives  to  have 
a  full  treasury  —  a  war  chest  —  for  fighting  or  for  tiding 
it  over  depressions.  The  desire  of  union  officials  to  stir 
up  matters  has  made  it  necessary  for  the  union  to  have 
many  affiliations  with  other  unions,  local,  state  and  na- 
tional, in  order  to  carry  through  a  program  that  will  en- 
list the  workmen's  attention  and  support.  It  is  mainly 
to  provide  permanence  and  carry  through  nation-wide 
programs  that  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  has  been 
organized. 

The  American  Federation  of  Labor. —  The  member- 
ship of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  from  the  stand- 


The  Industrial  Conflict  9 

point  both  of  number  of  members  and  of  their  inter-group- 
ing, places  it  in  a  dominant  position  in  the  labor  world. 
From  1881  to  1893,  the  American  Federation  of  Labor 
made  a  steady  but  slow  growth  in  membership.  It  lost 
slightly  from  1894  to  1897.  From  1900  to  1904,  the 
Federation  made  a  steady  and  great  gain  in  members.  It 
suffered  considerable  loss  in  1905,  and  the  gains  and  losses 
left  the  membership  below  the  figures  of  1904  until  the 
Balkan  War  broke  out  in  Europe  in  191 1.  Then  the  A.  F. 
of  L.  made  great  gains,  with  only  a  slight  loss  in  191 5,  until 
in  1920,  the  total  membership  became  approximately 
4,500,000.  ^  In  1 92 1  the  membership  was  3,906,528, 
grouped  variously  into  these  interlocking  groups :  36,247 
local  unions,  941  local  trade  and  federal  labor  unions,  no 
national  and  international  unions,  937  city  central  bodies,  49 
state  federations,  783  local  department  councils,  and  5  de- 
partments.^ 

The  American  Federation  of  Labor  is  not  a  simple  fed- 
eration of  trade  unions ;  it  is  rather  a  complex  super- 
organization  of  unions  of  all  sorts.  For  example,  a  local 
union  may  be  connected  with  an  international  union  which 
is  federated  with  the  A.  F.  of  L. ;  it  may  be  represented 
on  a  local  building  trades  council,  have  delegates  to  a  city 
federation  and  to  a  state  federation,  each  of  which  is 
affiliated  with  the  A.  F.  of  L, ;  and  it  may  be  represented 
in  the  Building  Trades  Department  of  the  American  Fed- 
eration of  Labor.  All  of  these  affiliations  are  for  the 
purpose  of  joining  forces  to  carry  on  the  fight  in  the  shop, 
in  the  several  related  trades,  in  the  city,  state  and  nation. 
In  addition,  we  have  inter-allied  labor  councils  to  carry  on 
a   world-wide  struggle. 

The  A.  F.  of  L.  is  making  great  efforts  to  extend  its 
organization.  The  great  steel  strike  of  19 19  originated 
with  the  A.  F.  of  L.  as  a  means  of  promoting  organiza- 
tion.    During   the   year    19 18-19 19,   the    Federation   had 


10  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

2,091  organizers,  of  which  112  were  listed,  and  expended 
$165,609.56  for  organizing  purposes;  and  in  1919-20,  had 
125  listed  organizers  besides  the  district  and  volunteer 
organizers  about  2,000  in  number,  and  paid  them  $285,- 
584.45;  but  in  1920-21,  had  105  listed  organizers  and  paid 
them  and  the  volunteer  organizers  the  sum  of  $279, 
605.66.^  The  suppression  of  its  organizers  in  some  locali- 
ties has  led  the  A.  F.  of  L.  to  make  bitter  complaints 
against  the  abridgment  of  the  "  right  of  free  speech."  ^ 

The  Constitution  of  the  Federation  sets  forth  in  the 
Preamble  as  a  reason  for  its  being  that,  ''  a  struggle  is  go- 
vn.g  on  in  all  the  nations  of  the  civilised  world  hetiveen* 
the  oppressors  and  the  oppressed  of  all  countries,  a  strug- 
gle hetzveen  the  capitalist  and  the  laborer,  which  grows  in 
intensity  from  year  to  year,  and  will  work  disastrous  re- 
sults to  the  toiling  millions  if  they  are  not  combined  for 
mutual  protection  and  benefit."  ^ 

The  objects  of  the  A.  F.  of  L.,  beyond  furthering  the 
formation  and  closer  federation  of  unions,  are,  "  to  aid 
and  assist  each  other,  to  aid  and  encourage  the  sale  of 
union  label  goods,  and  to  secure  legislation  in  the  interest 
of  the  working  people  and  influence  public  opinion,  by 
peaceful  and  legal  methods,  in  favor  of  organized  labor."  ® 

Its  program  includes,  first  of  all,  "  recognition  of  the 
union "  and  trade  agreements  with  a  view  to  increased 
wages,  a  shorter  workday  with  at  least  one  day's  rest  in 
seven,  prevention  of  industrial  accidents  (partly  by  em- 
ployers' liability  laws),  and  the  betterment  of  working  con- 
ditions generally.  Organized  labor  seeks  to  obtain  the  re- 
stricted use  or  abolition  of  injunctions  in  labor  disputes, 
to  secure  state  and  federal  child-labor  laws,  to  bring  about 
the  abolition  of  the  sweat  shop,  and  the  contract  system 
on  public  works.  It  favors  industrial  education  under 
public  control."^  The  purpose  of  its  entire  program,  ac- 
cording to  one  of  its  leading  representatives,  is  to  give  the 


The  Industrud  Conflict  li 

workers  a  high  degree  of   freedom  —  more  control  over 
their  own  lives  both  at  work  and  at  leisure.* 

The  Changing  Issues. —  The  demand  for  the  "  recogni- 
tion of  the  union  "  has  recently  been  given  a  somewhat 
wider  application,  namely,  the  demand  for  a  voice  in  the 
management  of  the  concern  through  a  union  representative 
on  the  board  of  directors.  No  other  demand  of  organized 
labor  so  shocks  the  employing  class  as  this  demand. 

There  has  thus  come  to  be  a  sharp  issue  over  the  matter 
of  union  representation  in  the  control  of  the  business, 
mainly  for  three  reasons :  ( i )  Such  representation 
threatens  seriously  the  reduction  or  sharing  of  large  profits 
with  the  union  members.  (2)  The  business  man  revolts 
against  such  representation  as  contrary  to  all  his  tradi- 
tional and  legal  "  rights "  to  operate  his  business  as  he 
sees  fit;  in  fact,  he  fears  that  ultimately  it  will  wrest  all 
control  from  him.  (3)  The  officials  of  organized  labor, 
as  a  class,  are  decidedly  superior  to  the  employers  as  a 
class  in  handling  labor  matters.  Not  even  the  specialized 
labor  or  employment  managers,  as  a  rule,  have  the  knowl- 
edge or  skill  or  employ  the  strategy  that  the  business 
agents  of  the  unions  have  in  conducting  wage  negotiations 
or  strikes.  The  representatives  of  the  employers,  with  the 
exception  of  the  officials  of  the  few  most  successful  em- 
ployers' associations,  appear  as  novices  in  contrast  with 
the  union  officials  in  arbitration  or  conciliation  proceed- 
ings. The  issue  is  becoming  more  and  more  the  control 
of  industry,  so  there  can  be  little  hope  of  peace  in  the 
further  growth  of  strong  rival  organizations.  Militarism 
does  not  produce  peace  other  than  that  following  the 
exhaustion  from  war.  The  growth  of  strong  rival  organi- 
zations with  super-organizations  is  a  form  of  militarism 
in  industrial  relations.  Evidence  of  this  growing  mili- 
tarism is  to  be  found  in  the  character  of  present-day  strikes 
as  well  as  in  their  increasing  number,  their  length  and  the 
number  of   workers   involved.     Many   strikes  have  been 


12  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

called  to  force  "  recognition  of  the  union "  and  so  for 
the  purpose  of  organizing  the  shop  completely.  Some  have 
grown  out  of  the  "  closed  shop,"  where  more  power  over 
"  the  employer's  business  "  was  being  sought,  or  where 
jurisdictional  disputes  between  trades  caused  a  walkout. 
Strikes  have  also  been  called  by  a  union  which  had  no 
grievance  but  which  wished  to  help  out  another  union  on 
strike  in  a  closely  related  trade.  These  sympathetic  strikes 
receive  the  employer's  strongest  condemnation,  and  are 
not  rare  in  occurrence. 

Strikes  are  by  no  means  the  only  outward  manifestations 
of  the  conflict,  and  the  situation  is  far  from  being  summed 
up  in  the  outward  manifestations.  The  complexity  of  the 
conflict,  as  it  reveals  itself  in  our  attempt  better  to  under- 
stand it,  almost  seems  to  preclude  any  one  solution,  for 
example,  collective  bargaining  under  the  present  militaristic 
conditions.  In  fact,  all  the  proposed  solutions  to  the  prob- 
lem have  neglected  important  considerations,  such  as  the 
resources  and  fighting  power  of  the  belligerent  employers* 
associations.  The  great  confusion  of  forces  and  issues  re- 
quires extended  investigation  and  analysis  of  the  problem. 

Superficially,  one  might  say,  as  has  been  said,  that  the 
conflict  is  one  between  capital  and  labor,  or  between  or- 
ganized capital  and  organized  labor,  and  that  the  issues  are 
union  domination  versus  capitalistic  domination  of  in- 
dustry. Although  the  increasing  bitterness  of  the  conflict 
forecasts  such  an  alignment  ultimately,  no  such  clear  division 
of  forces  yet  exists.  The  consolidation  of  organized  labor 
with  the  socialists,  the  I.  W.  W.  and  the  anarchists  is  not 
yet  an  accomplished  fact.  The  bitterness  of  these  groups 
towards  one  another  is  only  less  than  that  towards  the  capi- 
talistic class,  but  their  increasing  bitterness  towards  the  capi- 
talistic class  is  lessening  their  bitterness  toward  one  another. 
On  the  other  hand,  groups  of  employers  are  hostile  to  one 
another,  instances  of  which  are  cited  in  the  following  pages. 


The  Industrial  Conflict  13 

As  we  have  pointed  out  above,  the  group  which  is  set 
over  against  the  group  of  organized  laborers  —  that  of 
the  organized  employers  —  has  received  scant  consideration 
in  the  current  discussions  of  the  problem  of  the  industrial 
conflict.  It  is  to  this  group  that  this  book  gives  a  tardy 
but  much  needed  consideration. 

Employers'  Associations,  Defined. —  An  employers' 
association  is  a  group  which  is  composed  of  or  fostered  by 
employers  and  which  seeks  to  promote  the  employers'  in- 
terests in  labor  matters.  The  group,  accordingly,  is  either 
(i)  a  formal  or  informal  organization  of  employers,  or 
(2)  a  collection  of  individuals  whose  grouping  is  fostered 
by  employers.  Although  many  of  these  associations  are 
incorporated,  the  group  generally  differs  from  the  regular 
corporation  in  that  the  purpose  of  the  association  is  to 
conserve  profits  and  power  for  the  member  concerns  in- 
stead of  making  profits  to  distribute  as  dividends.  The 
group  is  thus  held  together  by  the  interests  of  the  employer 
so  far  as  such  differ  from  those  of  the  financier.  The 
purchase  and  utilization  of  labor- force  develop  in  the  per- 
sons who  regularly  perform  these  functions  an  interest 
or  interests  peculiar  to  their  class,  namely,  to  obtain  pro- 
duction at  the  minimum  cost  per  unit  of  labor  or  product. 
Obviously,  this  does  not  imply  the  least  wages,  as  has  fre- 
quently been  assumed,  but  rather  the  payment  of  high 
wages  for  a  high  quality  and  large  quantity  of  product. 
The  term  "  employer,"  as  used  herein  applies  to  all  business 
and  industrial  concerns  which  employ  workmen  and  to  all 
individuals  who  regularly  employ  or  exclusively  supervise 
wage  earners,  or  who  otherwise  represent  the  employing 
concern  in  matters  directly  pertaining  to  labor. 

The  promotion  of  the  employers'  interests  in  labor  mat' 
ters  is  the  function  that  characterizes  every  employers'  as- 
sociation. Such  an  organization  may  perform  many  other 
functions  clearly  unrelated  to  labor  matters,  and  may  not 


14  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

be  primarily  an  employers'  association.  The  employer's 
interests  in  labor  matters  may  be  promoted  in  a  great 
variety  of  ways,  and,  perhaps,  efforts  to  promote  these  in- 
terests may  fail  occasionally,  or  even  turn  out  disastrously 
to  the  employer,  but  if  the  intention  of  the  organization  is 
to  further  his  interests,  the  group  is  an  employers'  associa- 
tion. Any  association,  alliance,  league  or  federation  which 
intends  to  promote,  directly  or  indirectly,  primarily  the 
employer's  interest  in  relation  to  labor,  is  an  employers' 
association.  It  may  devote  itself  simply  to  the  advocacy 
of  the  employer's  viewpoint  in  such  matters.  Usually, 
however,  it  either  deals  with  the  union,  or  attempts  to  de- 
feat the  union  program  in  whole  or  in  part  —  on  the  whole, 
by  trying  to  crush  unionism ;  in  part,  generally  by  opposing 
the  enactment  of  laws  desired  by  the  union.  If  it  ne- 
gotiates trade  agreements  with  the  unions,  it  is  called 
negotiatory;  if  it  combats  closed-shop  unionism  in  some 
form  or  manner,  it  is  said  to  be  combative  or  belligerent; 
but  if  it  acts  as  a  mediator  to  induce  employers  or  other 
associations  to  deal  with  labor  organizations,  it  is  then 
designated  as  mediatory.  An  association  may  promote 
both  the  interests  of  the  employer  and  the  employee,  but 
the  employer's  interests  are  always  placed  first.  It  is  not  an 
unusual  occurrence  for  an  employer's  association  to  con- 
cern itself  with  the  welfare  of  the  workmen  of  its  members. 
Fostered  associations  are  organizations  which  deal  with 
labor  matters  but  which  are  supported  financially,  partly  or 
entirely,  and  controlled  directly  or  indirectly  by  an  em- 
ployer or  group  of  employers.  Ordinarily,  these  associa- 
tions have  in  their  membership  only  a  minority  representa- 
tion of  employers.  Sometimes  these  organizations  are 
auxiliary  associations,  such  as  the  National  Trades  and 
Workers'  Association,  or  the  citizens'  alliances  and  com- 
mittees have  been ;  sometimes  conglomerate,  such  as  the 
National  Civic  Federation.     Because  the  dominating  group 


The  Industrial  Conflict  15 

of  employers  frequently  exercises  a  secret  and  indirect  con- 
trol over  the  fostered  associations,  the  true  character  of 
many  of  these  organizations  is  not  generally  known. 
Fostered  associations,  nevertheless,  have  occasionally  proven 
to  be  powerful  weapons  in  promoting  the  employer's  in- 
terests in  the  labor  field. 

Why  the  Employers  Organize. —  The  associations 
exist  because  of  the  institution  of  private  property  in  the 
means  of  production.  The  institution  of  private  property 
necessitates,  under  modern  conditions,  the  relation  of  em- 
ployer and  employee.  The  employer  owns,  controls,  or 
directs  the  means  of  production  —  machinery,  tools,  etc. 
—  in  the  hands  of  the  employee.  To  retain  this  owner- 
ship, control  or  direction,  the  employer  has,  from  time  im- 
memorial, found  it  necessary  to  resort  to  some  form  of 
organization  or  understanding  with  his  fellow-employers  to 
prevent  organizations  of  workmen  from  unduly  infringing 
upon  his  "  right "  to  conduct  his  business  and  manage  his 
property  as  he  has  seen  fit,  a  "  right "  necessary  to  make 
his  business  the  most  profitable  one. 

Employers'  associations  reach  their  highest  development 
under  capitalism.  To  say  that  they  arose  simply  because 
of  the  organization  of  workmen  is  to  explain  the  situation 
in  the  most  obvious  but  superficial  way.  It  is  just  as  rea- 
sonable to  assume  that  the  employers'  associations  are  the 
primary  cause  of  the  labor  union.  The  fundamental  fact 
in  either  case  is  the  relationship  of  employer  and  employee 
growing  out  of  the  institution  of  private  property  in  the 
means  of  production,  when  the  worker  no  longer  owns  the 
tools  or  other  equipment  with  which  he  works.  The  con- 
trol over  the  equipment  by  the  employer  inevitably  carries 
with  it  a  degree  of  control  over  the  lives  of  the  workmen. 
The  employer  desires  to  maintain  control  over  his  increas- 
ing equipment,  but  the  workmen  oppose  this  —  in  fact,  have 
attempted  to  lessen  greatly  the  degree  of  his  control  recog- 


i6  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

nized  by  the  laws  of  the  land.  Concessions  to  the  unions 
of  workmen  have  not  generally  lessened  but  rather  have 
increased  their  desire  for  ever  greater  control,  for  instance 
the  demand  for  a  voice  in  the  management  of  the  business. 
Their  demands  threaten  to  extend  even  to  complete  con- 
trol * —  which  means  either  a  transfer  of  property  from 
one  owner  to  another,  or  the  abolition  of  private  property 
in  productive  equipment.  But  only  in  a  primative  society 
can  the  workmen  be  found  owning  all  their  productive 
equipment,  and  no  employers  existing.  There  no  employ- 
ers' associations  are  formulated.  Conversely,  in  the  highly 
developed  industrial  communities  where  there  are  vast  ag- 
gregations of  machinery,  tools  and  other  industrial  equip- 
ment in  the  hands  of  employers,  the  associations  exist  in  a 
high  degree  of  development. 

The  conflict  produces  complex  organizations.  There  is 
action  and  counteraction  between  the  rival  groups  of  em- 
ployers and  employees.  Each  group,  in  striving  to  hold 
the  vantage  ground,  or  to  gain  new  ground,  must  govern 
its  action  to  a  great  extent  by  the  action  of  its  opponent. 
Counteraction,  in  this  field,  however,  rarely  means  that  one 
group  imitates  the  previous  action  of  the  opponent.  In 
this  struggle  an  attempt  to  unite  or  federate  all  the  smaller 
groups  of  workmen  and  their  sympathizers  into  a  larger 
group  has  been  counteracted  by  the  employers,  not  so  much 
by  any  one  formal  national  federation  as  by  co-operative 
efforts  in  informal  interrelations,  among  national  as  well  as 
local  organizations.     There  are  federations  of  employers, 

*  The  history  of  labor  troubles  in  the  building  trades  shows  that 
concessions  —  no  matter  how  great  —  have  by  no  means  averted  labor 
troubles.  No  employers'  association  has  made  more  concessions  to 
workmen  than  has  the  U.  S.  Brewers'  Association,  yet  the  United 
Brewery  Workers'  Union  has  been  distinctly  socialistic.  Again,  the 
"  more-and-more-now "  philosophy  of  Samuel  Gompers,  President  of 
the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  if  fulfilled  would  inevitably  lead  to 
some  form  of  socialism  or  anarchy,  however  much  he  may  denounce 
the  socialists  and  their  various  schemes  and  proposals. 


The  Industrial  Conflict  ly 

but  these  are  not  comparable  to  the  federation  of  workmen's 
unions.  The  conflict  has  become  so  complicated  that  the 
relations,  interrelations  and  federations  of  the  rival  groups 
have  produced  varied  sorts  of  organizations  both  formal 
and  informal.  Only  in  a  superficial  way  do  the  rival 
groups  correspond  even  roughly  in  either  structure  or  func- 
tion,—  there  is  no  "  striking  parallelism  "  *  between  the 
rival  groups.  There  is  simply  a  varying  degree  of  correla- 
tion that  rarely  approaches  parallelism. 

The  need  on  the  part  of  the  employer  for  these  organi- 
zations is  greater  today  than  ever  before.®  From  the  em- 
ployer's viewpoint,  "  Employers'  associations  are  now  more 
necessary  than  ever.  There  were  never  so  many  important 
questions  before  the  manufacturer  and  the  employer,  and 
never  before  has  concerted  action  in  attempting  to  form 
correct  public  opinion  been  so  necessary  as  at  present."  ^^ 
What  the  employer  may  gain  through  the  successful  com- 
bating of  a  strike  may  be  lost  through  the  enactment  of 
a  law,  or  an  unfavorable  court  decision.  The  employer, 
alone,  cannot  attend  to  these  matters  in  various  fields. 
Even  in  strikes,  methods  have  changed  in  rather  recent 
years.  In  the  hands  of  efficient  association  officials,  "  The 
combating  of  strikes  has  been  reduced  to  the  orderly  rou- 
tine of  a  smoothly  running  system."  "     From  the  stand- 

*  Cf.  Hoxie,  "  Trade  Unionism  in  the  United  States,"  p.  189.  There 
is  nothing  in  the  history  of  the  National  Metal  Trades  Association  to 
warrant  a  statement  that  this  organization  is  the  counterpart  of  the 
Industrial  Workers  of  the  World,  or  of  "  revolutionary  unionism." 
Furthermore,  the  Illinois  Manufacturers'  Association  is  not  federated, 
and  the  structure  of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  differs 
radically  from  that  of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor.  The  other 
cases  cited  have  only  slight  superficial  resemblances.  Nevertheless, 
the  belief  that  there  is  a  "  striking  parallelism  "  is  general  in  text  books 
and  elsewhere, —  see  Ely,  Outlines  of  Economics  (third  edition)  pp.  454- 
5;  Carlton,  History  and  Problems  of  Organized  Labor  (1920  edition) 
p.  95;  and  Quarterly  Journal  of  Economics,  20:143.  Apparently  Hilbert 
also  holds  the  same  view, —  see  Hollander  and  Barnett,  Studies  in 
American  Trade  Unionism,  pp.  185,  188,  207,  217. 


1 8  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

point  of  the  most  efficient  organization  of  his  business, 
the  employer  needs  to  consider  the  employers'  association 
as  indispensable,  either  for  dealing  with  or  for  fighting 
the  union. 

Among  the  complications  growing  out  of  the  conflict  is 
this  situation :  either  employee  or  employer,  single-handed, 
once  embroiled  within  the  conflict,  must  indeed  possess 
unusual  strength  and  resources,  not  to  be  crushed  by  one 
of  the  organized  groups  or  by  a  combination  of  the  two, 
union  and  association. 

Handicaps  of  the  Independent  Employer. —  Without 
aid  from  fellow  employers,  an  employer  can  rarely  long 
withstand  the  great  power  of  the  federated  unions,  once  it 
is  directed  against  him.  It  has  frequently  been  said  that  the 
workman  is  no  longer  able  individually  to  cope  with  the 
modern  employer,  because  of  the  inequality  of  labor  and 
marketing  conditions,  bargaining  ability,  and  other  related 
matters  such  as  the  worker's  lack  of  accumulated  wealth 
to  enable  him  to  outwait  the  employer.  Contrast  this  situ- 
ation with  that  of  the  average  employer  in  an  attempt  to 
cope  with  the  unions  international  in  scope  and  federated 
with  numerous  other  international  unions.  In  bargaining 
ability  the  unions  have  specialists  long  trained  in  meet- 
ing every  type  of  employer.  In  knowledge  of  wages,  labor 
supply  and  demand,  the  union  officials  again  have  the  great 
advantage.  The  great  majority  of  "  independent "  em- 
ployers find  themselves  helpless  when  confronted  by  a  graft- 
ing business  agent  of  a  powerful  union.  In  strikes,  the 
average  or  ordinary  employer  is  a  novice,  the  union  of- 
ficials are  experts  with  long  and  varied  experience,  since 
they  spend  all  their  time  at  such  matters  while  the  employer 
must  generally  devote  much  of  his  time  to  problems  other 
than  labor  matters.  The  employer  knows  little  of  the  tac- 
tics or  strategy  in  the  conduct  of  strikes  —  publicity,  legal 
remedies,  such  as  injunctions,  the  building  up  of  a  body  of 


The  Industrial  Conflict  19 

workmen  not  susceptible  to  union  propaganda  and  similar 
weapons.  It  is  this  lack  of  knowledge  and  means  that 
sometimes  leads  an  "  independent  "  employer  verging  on 
bankruptcy,  to  take  indiscreet  steps  which  alienate  public 
sympathy  entirely  from  his  cause.  Generally  a  hard- 
fought  strike  results  in  a  boycott.  What  can  an  employer 
alone  do  to  withstand  a  nation-wide  boycott?  He  may 
appeal  to  the  courts  but  he  must  employ  counsel  well- 
versed  in  such  matters  and  pay  a  large  fee.  He  must 
have  the  evidence  collected,  but  this  can  be  done  only  at 
great  expense.  Unless  he  does  secure  all  this  evidence  for 
the  trial,  the  union  may  convince  the  court  and  jury  that 
no  formal  boycott  had  been  declared  and  that  the  union 
had  exercised  only  the  "  right "  to  inform  its  members 
that  the  employer  had  a  strike  on  in  his  shop,  and  that 
there  had  been  no  conspiracy  to  ruin  his  business.  This 
situation  is  made  possible  by  the  individual  employer's  lack 
of  knowledge  of  such  matters,  and  failure  to  co-operate 
with  other  employers.  Alone,  he  can  hardly  make  a  wide- 
spread appeal  to  fellow-employers  for  patronage  to  support 
him  in  the  crisis.  In  a  contest  with  the  federated  unions, 
the  ordinary  individual  employer  is  hard  beset.  He  may 
buy  peace  from  the  unions  by  repeated  concessions,  if  the 
concessions  do  not  bankrupt  him,  especially  when  he  has 
to  compete  with  employers  who  are  organized  and  so  do 
not  make  concessions.  The  independent  employer  cannot 
successfully  oppose  the  enactment  of  legislation  that  will 
adversely  affect  his  interests,  nor  obtain  legislation  he  de- 
sires. To  protect  or  further  his  interests,  he  must  co- 
operate formally  or  informally  with  other  employers.  The 
prudent  employer  anticipates  untimately  some  labor  trouble 
and  guards  against  it,  as  best  he  may,  by  uniting  with  an 
association  in  his  industrial  field,  or  with  a  special  or  a 
general  association,  and  perhaps  with  all  three.  Modem 
conditions  apparently  involve  continual  labor  troubles,  and 


20  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

so  conduce  to  continuous  organizations  of  employers,  hence 
the  permanent  formal  employers'  association.  When  labor 
troubles  become  chronic,  employers'  associations  become 
formal  and  permanent. 

How  the  Employers  Organize. —  Employers  are  not 
organized  in  any  one  way  or  manner.  In  fact,  the  variety 
of  associations  is  large.  In  number,  the  associations  now 
in  existence,  or  which  have  been  organized,  in  the  United 
States,  total  over  2000,  all  of  which  have  dealt  with  the 
labor  problem  in  some  phase  or  form.  Of  all  this  number, 
there  is  not  an  important  association  that  is  an  exact 
duplicate  of  another.  Manifestly,  any  attempt  to  discuss 
each  of  these  various  associations  in  detail  would  lead  to 
a  discussion  too  extended  for  us  to  undertake  in  one 
treatise.  The  discussion  must  proceed  on  some  other  basis. 
We  must  resort  to  a  study  of  types.  It  has  been  a  vague 
but  rather  common  assumption  of  text-book  and  other 
writers  on  labor  problems  and  trade  unions  that  the  asso- 
ciations were  evolving  into  a  negotiatory  federated  type 
of  national  association  with  numerous  locals  —  that  is,  a 
single  type.*  Apparently,  no  student  of  labor  problems 
has  hitherto  realized  or  faintly  appreciated  the  great  multi- 
plicity of  types  or  as  much  as  comprehended  even  the  more 
important  types.  The  result  has  been  that  many  inaccu- 
rate statements  have  been  made  about  associations  in  gen- 
eral as  well  as  in  particular. 

Types  of  Associations. — The  varying  industrial  condi- 

*  For  instance,  Hilbert  says,  in  Hollander  and  Barnett,  Studies  in 
American  Trade  Unionism :  "  Parallel  organizations  of  employers  and 
employees  —  a  necessary  condition  for  collective  bargaining  —  are  here 
present,  [among  local,  district  and  national  trade  associations]  and  such 
employers'  associations,  whether  conciliatory  or  militant  in  spirit,  tend 
sooner  or  later  to  form  agreements  with  the  corresponding  unions." 
[p.  185]  "  It  appears,  however,  that  these  militant  associations  are 
ephemeral."  [p.  217]  See  also  Willoughby,  in  Quarterly  Journal  of 
Economics,  [20:146-150]  who  says  substantially  the  same. 


The  Industrial  Conflict  21 

tions  prohibit  such  a  simpUfication  of  types  from  becoming 
an  actuality.  The  associations  cannot  be  reduced  even  to  a 
few  types,  much  less  one,  because  of  the  varying  condi- 
tions in  trade  and  industry,  among  which  are :  ( i )  the  un- 
equal rates  of  industrial  evolution,  (2)  the  diversity  of 
monopolistic  and  competitive  conditions  and  the  area  and 
character  of  competition  where  such  exists,  (3)  the  char- 
acter of  the  manifold  industrial  processes  from  the  point 
of  time,  or  of  skill,  or  whether  hand  or  machine,  (4)  the 
nature  of  the  product  and  the  sort  of  purchasers  or  con- 
sumers, (5)  the  development,  nature  and  distribution  of 
transportation  facilities.  These  factors,  as  we  shall  note 
more  fully,  have  determined  the  main  characteristics  of 
the  associations  discussed  herein. 

Development  of  Associations. —  None  of  the  associa- 
tions that  we  shall  study  in  detail,  existed  prior  to  1885. 
Although  the  association  movement  can  be  traced  back  into 
the  middle  ages  and  beyond,  the  chief  types  of  that  age 
differed  materially  from  the  principal  types  of  the  past 
third  of  a  century.*  The  period  from  1885  to  1920  may 
be  divided  into  three  stages:  (i)  the  beginning  of  national 
employers'  associations;  (2)  the  development  of  negotia- 
tory  associations  at  its  height;  (3)  the  growth  of  belligerent 
associations. 

Evolution  of  National  Associations. —  Around  the  year 
1885,  many  interesting  developments  occurred  in  the  con- 
flict between  employers  and  workmen.  The  year  1886  was 
notably  a  year  of  strikes,  and  the  preceding  and  following 
years  were  filled  with  labor  troubles.  This  was  the  period 
when  the  Knights  of  Labor  reached  its  height,  and  de- 
feated by  the  associations  generally,  began  its  decline.  At 
this  time  also  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  had  its 
*  It  is  highly  erroneous  to  say  that,  "  The  movement  for  the  organiza- 
tion of  employers  is  new."  Cf .  Phillips :  Organization  of  Employers 
and  Employees,  p.  160. 


22  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

origin  but  was  not  yet  regarded  as  of  much  significance. 
During  this  period,  several  noteworthy  strikes  occurred  on  a 
number  of  railroads,  and  in  1886  the  General  Managers' 
Association,  composed  of  the  24  railroads  centering  or 
terminating  in  Chicago,  was  formed.  In  the  year  1886, 
the  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association  evolved 
out  of  the  National  Association  of  Stove  Manufacturers, 
in  order  better  to  fight  the  Iron  Molders'  Union,  but  not 
until  1 89 1  did  it  negotiate  with  the  unions.  In  1887,  the 
United  Typothetse  of  America  was  organized  to  resist  the 
demands  of  the  International  Typographical  Union  for  the 
nine-hour  day.  Many  local  associations  were  active  during 
this  period  as  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  associations  ordered 
in  the  years  1884-1S86  over  75  per  cent  of  all  lockouts  for 
the  period,  while  in  the  three  previous  years,  1881-1883, 
the  associations  had  ordered  fewer  than  30  per  cent. 
Trade  agreements  were  almost  entirely  a  local  matter  in 
the  eighties,  the  national  associations  were  mainly  organized 
to  fight  the  unions. 

After  having  practically  crushed  the  Knights  of  Labor, 
the  national  associations  became  relatively  inactive  until 
in  the  nineties.  Then  came  strikes  of  noted  magnitude  in 
the  mines  and  on  the  railroads.  The  year  1894  even  sur- 
passed the  high  record  of  1886  in  number  of  employees  in- 
volved in  strikes.  In  that  year  the  General  Managers'  As- 
sociation defeated  and  broke  up  the  American  Railway 
Union.  But  no  national  association  had  yet  become  per- 
manently and  persistently  belligerent  towards  the  unions, 
although  a  number  of  local  associations  had  become  such. 

Negotiatory  Associations. —  The  negotiation  of  a 
national  trade  agreement  by  the  Stove  Founders'  National 
Defense  Association  and  the  International  Molders'  Union 
in  1 89 1  marks  the  beginning  of  the  period  of  development 
of  national  negotiatory  associations.  The  system  of  trade 
agreements  undoubtedly  reached  its  highest  development  in 


The  Industrial  Conflict  23 

the  five  year  period  1898-1902  —  a  period  of  wars,  the 
Spanish- American  War  and  the  South  African  War. 
The  commerce  from  these  wars  made  prosperous  times 
for  the  manufacturers,  and  skilled  laborers  were  in  great 
demand.  A  widening  of  the  margin  of  profit  for  the 
manufacturer  made  him  anxious  to  secure  the  necessary 
labor  for  his  factory  and  the  trade  agreement  promised 
him  this  labor  at  a  price  which  he  felt  he  could  depend  upon 
as  a  basis  in  calculating  the  future  costs  of  his  products. 
However,  this  situation  alone  would  probably  not  have 
produced  negotiatory  associations,  since  the  employer,  in- 
dividually, or  by  means  of  local  associations,  could  have 
entered  into  trade  agreements  with  the  unions.  Another 
factor  entered  into  the  situation. 

The  period  of  the  highest  development  of  negotiatory 
associations  practically  coincides  with  the  greatest  devel- 
opment of  the  formation  of  trusts  and  other  similar  busi- 
ness combinations  to  control  prices.  The  realization  of 
increased  profits  by  business  men  in  this  period  led  them 
to  believe  that  even  still  larger  profits  might  be  obtained 
by  combinations  to  control  prices.  Business  men  utilized 
labor  imions  in  forming  such  combinations.  Negotiatory 
associations  made  trade  agreements  with  certain  unions, 
and  by  means  of  these  generally  forced  the  independents  to 
come  into  the  combination  or  to  conform  to  the  prices  set 
by  the  combination  if  their  businesses  were  not  ruined. 
The  history  of  the  building  trades  of  the  period  is  replete 
with  instances  of  such  conspiracies.  It  was  a  situation 
that  produced  strikes,  and  in  certain  cases  gave  dishonest 
labor  leaders  an  opportunity  to  graft  off  the  combination, 
and  thus  force  it  to  divide  some  af  its  great  profits,  or  to 
"  hold  up  "  the  independent  at  every  turn.  These  condi- 
tions were  not  generally  permanent,  for  if  the  combination 
monopolized  the  trade  or  industry,  it  could  then  turn  on 
the  unions.     If  it  was  a   failing  scheme,   ultimately  the 


24  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

unions  held  out  no  advantage  to  it.  Only  in  those  cases 
where  the  combination  was  neither  completely  successful 
nor  a  failure,  would  the  trade  agreement  be  continued  and 
renewed  from  time  to  time  with  necessary  changes.  We 
shall  note,  later  on,  the  factors  that  govern  existing  nego- 
tiatory  associations. 

Belligerent  Associations. —  Beginning  about  1901  and 
extending  up  to  April,  191 7, —  the  entrance  of  the  United 
States  into  the  War  of  1914-1918  —  there  was  a  distinct 
evolution  in  belligerency  among  old  associations  and  in 
numerous  newly  formed  ones.  Associations  that  had  tried 
the  trade  agreement  were  breaking  away  from  it,  and 
fighting  the  unions  in  many  fields.  The  National  Metal 
Trades  Association,  which  began  its  career  as  a  negotia- 
tory  association,  became  distinctly  belligerent  in  1901. 
Citizens'  alliances  were  growing  up  in  many  localities,  and 
this  movement  was  characteristically  a  belligerent  one,  but 
was  in  the  nature  of  the  case  of  comparatively  short  life. 
The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  had  been 
formed  in  1896  but  became  belligerent  in  1902,  espe- 
cially in  the  legislative  field.  The  belligerent  American 
Anti-Boycott  Association,  now  the  League  for  Industrial 
Rights,  and  the  Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of  America 
were  organized  respectively  in  the  years  1902  and  1903. 
The  United  Typothetae  of  America  became  prevailingly 
belligerent  in  1903.  The  negotiatory  National  Founders' 
Association  became  belligerent  in  1904,  and  the  negotiatory 
National  Erectors'  Association  began  its  belligerent  activi- 
ties in  1905,  declared  itself  belligerent  in  1906  and  attracted 
world-wide  attention  in  191 1  as  a  result  of  its  belligerency. 
None  of  these  associations  now  existing  has  lost  much  of 
its    belligerency.*     With    the    possible    exception    of    the 

*Cf.  Hollander  and  Barnett,  op.  cit.  p.  217:     "It  appears,  however, 
that  these  militant  associations  [such  as  the  N.  A.  M.  the  A.  A.  B.  A., 


The  Industrial  Conflict  2$ 

United  Typothetae  of  America,  they  are  rather  more 
belHgerent,  although  the  conditions  accompanying  the  war 
of  1914-1918  perhaps  forced  some  of  them  outwardly  to 
appear  somewhat  more  conciliatory.  The  industrial  con- 
ditions during  the  war  —  wide  margins  of  profits  and 
scarcity  of  labor  —  favored  negotiations,  concessions  ^nd 
trade  agreements,  just  as  the  narrowing  of  the  margin  of 
profits  in  the  period  1902  to  19 15  had  led  to  belligerefncy  in 
the  associations.  The  American  Federation  of  Labor  was 
facing  a  rather  serious  situation  at  the  outbreak  of  the  War 
of  1 9 14-19 18,  for  its  progress  seemed  then  to  be  definitely 
checked,  at  least,  so  far  as  any  substantial  gain  in  member- 
ship was  concerned.  It  took  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor  seven  years  to  regain  in  membership,  a  number  of 
members  equal  to  those  it  had  in  1904,  and  its  net  gain 
from  1904  to  19 1 6  was  only  16  per  cent,  which  is  less  than 
the  percentage  growth  of  population  during  that  time.  At 
no  time  prior  to  19 16  was  its  membership  much  in  excess 
of  two  million  out  of  an  estimated  total  of  thirty-six  to 
forty  million  workers,  of  which  two  million  more  have  been 
shown  since  to  be  clearly  organizable.  Only  in  the  legis- 
lative field  did  the  Federation  make  any  noted  gains  in  the 
period  1904  to  191 5.  It  has  been  the  history  of  the  labor 
movement  in  America  that  the  unions  go  into  politics  when 
they  are  tJeing  defeated  in  the  industrial  field,  rather  than 
the  reverse  that  the  union  fails  because  it  has  gone  into 
politics. 

Unionism  Checked  Before  the  War. —  The  belligerent 
associations  were  gradually  gaining  ground  over  the  unions 
by  numerous  steps,  some  of  which  we  shall  summarize  to 

illustrate  the  process  and  methods  used  to  crush  the  unions : 

• 
etc.]   are  ephemeral   in  character,  and   likely  to   pass  away  with   the 
occasion  that  called  them  into  being;  the  relations  between  the  trade 
association  of  employers  and  the  union  of  employees,  on  the  contrary, 
are  stable  and  reducible  to  a  business  [that  is,  negotiatory]  basis." 


26  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

1.  By  successfully  combating  union  strikes  generally. 

2.  By  eliminating  and  keeping  imion  men  out  of  an  in- 

creasing number  of  shops. 

3.  By  promoting  welfare  work  to  destroy  the  humanita- 

rian plea  of  the  unions, 

4.  By  fostering  trade  schools  and  industrial  education,  so 

that  the  supply  of  skilled  nonunion  workmen  would 
be  adequate. 

5.  By  prosecuting  union  leaders  successfully  and  by  secur- 

ing noted  court  decisions  curtailing  union  activities, 
for  instance,  the  Danbury  Hatters'  Case,  whereby  a 
nation-wide  boycott  by  the  union  subjected  the  union 
members  to  very  heavy  penalties  under  the  Sherman 
Anti-Trust  Act. 

6.  By  opposing  the  efforts  of  the  unions  to  secure  relief 

from  the  use  of  the  injunction  in  labor  disputes  and 
from  the  application  of  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Act 
to  labor  unions;  and  by  restricting  the  success  of  the 
unions  in  obtaining  legislation  limiting  the  hours  of 
labor  on  public  contracts. 

7.  By  political  activities,  in  which  the  unions  failed  to  make 

the  showing  of  strength  necessary  to  convince  poli- 
ticians generally  of  the  potentiality  of  the  labor  vote. 

The  steps  enumerated  above  do  not  imply  that  the  bel- 
ligerent associations  had  an  unbroken  line  of  victories, 
for  such  is  far  from  being  the  fact,  especially  outside  the 
field  of  strikes  and  the  open  shop.  In  the  other  fields  the 
contest  was  long  indeterminant,  as  for  example,  in  the  Dan- 
bury  Hatters'  Case,  which  lasted  from  1902  to  19 14.  In 
the  legislative  field  the  fight  for  a  Federal  eight-hour  law 
on  government  work  lasted  'from  1902  to  19 12,  and  was 
won  by  the  unions.  The  contest  over  anti-injunction  legis- 
lation by  Congress  continued  from  1904  to  1914,  and  a  re- 
cent decision  by  the  U.  S.  Supreme  Court  shows  that  the  en- 


The  Industrial  Conflict  27 

actment  of  the  Gayton  Anti-Trust  Act  —  the  so-called 
"  Magna  Charta  of  Labor  " —  gave  the  unions  no  relief  from 
the  provisions  of  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Act,  but  instead 
subjects  them  to  an  injunction  obtainable  by  an  employer 
without  the  intervention  of  U.  S.  attorneys  —  as  required 
under  the  Sherman  Act  —  to  restrain  any  union  boycott  of 
his  products  that  enter  into  interstate  commerce.  The  asso- 
ciations were  notably  successful  in  the  prosecution  of  the 
officers  of  the  International  Association  of  Bridge  and 
Structural  Iron  Workers.  All  of  these  steps,  however,  do 
indicate  that  the  lines  were  being  drawn  tighter  and  the 
unions  were  seeking  any  and  all  measures  that  promised  any 
sort  of  relief. 

War  Gave  Strategic  Position  to  Unions. —  The  advent 
of  the  war  of  191 4- 191 8,  however,  gave  to  the  unions  a 
great  advantage,  since  the  demand  for  labor  became  great. 
Previous  wars  had  shortened  the  supply  of  labor,  espe- 
cially unskilled,  by  cutting  off  immigration  from  certain 
countries,  and  causing  many  workers  to  leave  the  United 
States  to  take  part  in  the  wars,  but  the  effect  was  much 
less  marked  than  that  of  the  later  war.  These  wars  al- 
lowed the  American  Federation  to  regain  a  membership 
in  191 1  that  it  had  reached  in  1904.  But  the  later  war 
and  the  consequent  monetary  inflation  enabled  the  Federa- 
tion to  increase  its  membership  from  2^4  million  in  April, 
19 16,  to  4>2  million  in  October,  1920.  The  enormous 
orders  of  the  warring  nations,  placed  in  the  United  States 
at  prices  that  allowed  a  wide  margin  of  profit,  set  the  em- 
ployers to  bidding  against  each  other  for  workmen.  Em- 
ployers hired  workmen  without  the  care  formerly  exer- 
cised as  to  union  affiliations.  Men  could  join  the  unions 
without  fear  of  being  discharged,  or  if  discharged,  could 
immediately  find  another  job. 

The  War  of  1914-1918  gave  unions  the  strategic  position. 
With  the  entrance  of  the  United  States  into  the  war  in 


28  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

April,  1917  —  and  with  the  consequent  withdrawal  of  some 
4  million  men  from  civilian  occupations  into  the  army  and 
navy  —  the  unions  came  into  the  most  strategic  position. 
The  labor  supply,  especially  of  skilled  workmen,  was 
wholly  inadequate  to  the  great  demand.  Prices  continued 
to  rise,  and  the  margin  of  profit  was  great.  The  "  cost- 
plus  "  system  of  government  contracts  would  have  made 
the  employer  wholly  indifferent  to  excessive  wages,  but 
for  the  fact  that  he  knew  that  the  condition  could  not 
always  last,  and  any  high  scale  once  paid  would  tend  to 
become  established,  to  be  reduced  only  by  labor  troubles  or 
business  depression,  neither  of  which  he  desired.  The  pol- 
icy of  the  Federal  Government  was  based  on  the  accept- 
ance of  the  economic  conditions  and  the  strategic  position 
of  the  unions.  The  unions  were  allowed  to  organize,  and 
concessions  were  freely  made  in  order  that  strikes  would 
not  be  called,  or  if  called  be  of  short  duration.  Strikes  in 
great  number  were  called,  and  employers  were  virtually 
forced  to  concede  at  once  the  increased  wages  demanded  by 
the  union  as  ultimately  they  would  have  had  to  do. 

Renewed  Belligerency, —  The  belligerent  associations 
did  not  make  an  unconditional  surrender.  The  entire 
ground  of  the  struggle  is  now  being  fought  over  again 
and  with  more  bitterness  than  ever  before.  The  records 
show  that  we  have  been  passing  through  the  greatest  strike 
period  of  all  history.  (See  table  of  figures  in  the  U.  S.  for 
1916-1920  on  next  page.)  Anyone  who  has  studied  the  at- 
titude and  activities  of  the  belligerent  associations  during 
the  past  twenty  years  will  be  inclined  to  believe  that  the 
unions  will  lose  much  of  the  ground  they  gained  during  the 
war  of  1914-1918.  A  survey  of  a  combination 
of  certain  factors  indicates  that  the  unions  must  lose  much 
of  the  advantageous  ground  formerly  held.  ( i )  Women 
have  entered  a  vast  number  of  semi-skilled  and  skilled  occu- 
pations formerly  closed  to  them.      (2)   Great  numbers  of 


The  Industrial  Conflict 


29 


workmen  have  been  released  by  the  demobilization  of  the 
army.  (3)  The  importation  of  negro  labor  from  the  South 
has  lessened  the  acute  demand  for  labor  in  industrial  centers. 

(4)  Hordes    of    immigrants    have    come    from    Europe. 

(5)  The  destruction  of  much  physical  capital  by  the  war  — 
its  diversion  from  industrial  purposes  to  war-making  pur- 


STRIKES   AND  LOCKOUTS   IN   THE   UNITED   STATES   FOR   THE 
YEARS   1916-1920 


Year 

1916 

1917 

1918 

1919 

1920 

Total 

Number    of    strikes 
and   lockouts   begin- 
ning   in    the    year.. 

3.789 

4.450 

3,353 

3,569 

3,>67 

18,328 

Number    of    strikes 
and      lockouts      for 
which      reports      on 
number    of    persons 
involved  were  avail- 
able     

2,667 

2.32s 

2,151 

2,609 

2,044 

11,796 

Number    of    persons 
involved      in      these 
strikes  and  lockouts 

1,599,917 

1,227,254 

1,239,989 

4,154.420 

1,416,581 

9,638,161 

Number     of    strikes 
and      lockouts       for 
which      reports      on 
days    duration    were 

2,116 

1,435 

1,709 

i,8S3 

1,362 

8,475 

Total      number      of 
days      duration      of 
these      strikes      and 

49,680 

26,981 

29,895 

62,930 

48,880 

218,366 

Average  duration  in 
days     

23 

18 

18 

34 

36 

Compiled  from  The  Monthly  Labor  Review  (U.  S.  Bureau  of  Labor  Statistics) 
for  June,   1921,  pp  162-181. 

poses  from  which  only  a  pdrtion  can  ever  be  recovered  — 
has  made  capital  for  the  time  relatively  more  scarce  than 
labor  in  the  United  States.  (6)  Of  the  physical  capital 
that  has  been  developed  as  the  old  has  worn  out,  much 
has  been  of  the  type  of  machinery  that  replaces  labor  or  can 
utilize  the  labor  of  women.  Much  of  this  new  capital*  was 
not  confined  to  the  production  of  guns  and  ammunition. 
(7)  The  credit  inflation  of  the  United  States  has  clearly 


30  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

reached  its  maximum  point,  and  accordingly  prices  will 
probably  continue  to  decline, — ^the  making  of  enormous 
profits  by  employers  is  over.  Moreover,  the  great  labor 
power  of  the  other  nations  is  likewise  being  released  from 
war-making  activities  for  industrial  purposes,  the  world 
competition  for  markets  will  become  intense  in  the  next  few 
years. 

The  period  of  reconstruction  thus  promises  to  be  one  of 
growing  intensity  of  international  competition.  Such 
competition  produces  belligerency  among  the  associations. 
Competition  confined  to  national  limits  may  conduce  to  ne- 
gotiatory  associations,  since  employers  may  combine  with 
the  unions  to  secure  monopolistic  conditions.  A  protective 
tariff  might  thus  tend  to  lessen  the  tendency  toward  bellig- 
erency, but  the  United  States  has  reached  a  point  of  eco- 
nomic development  where  it  must  compete  in  the  markets 
of  the  world  with  manufactured  products.  The  employers 
in  the  United  States,  accordingly  cannot,  were  they  so 
inclined,  maintain  the  present  high  level  of  wages  on  a  de- 
clining market  for  their  products.  The  unions  bitterly  re- 
sist any  wage  reductions.  Government  projects  or  even 
continued  currency  inflation  can  only  alleviate,  for  a  short 
period,  the  present  crisis  in  labor  matters.  Not  even  the 
fear  of  Bolshevism  which  has  intimidated  many  employ- 
ers into  making  concessions  to  the  trade  unions  could  pre- 
vent the  clash.* 

Recent  Developments  in  the  Conflict. — During  the 
period  1919-1921  many  "open-shop"  associations  have 
been  formed  in  various  localities.  ^^  Employers  in 
many  industries  are  attempting  to  free  themselves  from 
union  domination  fastened  upon  them  during  the  war.  One 
of  the  most  discussed  methods  of  fighting  unionism  is  the 

*  On  the  growth  of  the  industrial  conflict,  see  the  article  on  "  The 
Heritage  of  Hate,"  in  American  Industries  for  June  1920,  p.  38. 


The  Industrial  Conflict  31 

"  shop  union  " —  that  is  a  union  of  only  the  employees  in  a 
shop.  Such  a  union  has  no  "  entangling  alliances  "  with  any 
other  union.  This  scheme  is  known  under  various  names, 
such  as  "  shop-representation  plan,"  "  works  council,"  "shop- 
committee  system.''  Elaborate  methods  of  government  for 
such  unions  have  been  worked  out.  Such  a  scheme  is  usu- 
ally designed  to  displace  the  trade  union  of  the  A.  F.  of 
L.  type,  and  the  A.  F.  of  L.  vigorously  denounces  such  or- 
ganzations  as  "  fake  unions  "  or  as  "  employers'  unions." 

Efforts  to  work  out  a  program  of  industrial  relations 
have  been  very  tardy.  The  National  Civic  Federation  — 
a  mediatory  association  —  has  practically  confessed  that  it 
cannot  work  out  an  adequate  program  to  meet  the  warlike 
situation.  The  First  National  Industrial  Conference  at 
Washington  in  19 19  attempted  to  reconcile  the  differences 
of  the  warring  groups  by  having  the  generals  of  the  op- 
posing armies  meet,  along  with  "  representatives  of  the 
public,"  to  reach  an  amicable  agreement.  It  was  inevitable 
that  the  union  group  would  demand  "  collective  bargain- 
ing "  by  the  unions  through  their  expert  leaders,  and  that 
the  employer  group  would  resist  such  demands  for  a  voice 
in  the  control  of  the  business  of  the  employer.  There  was 
no  power  acting  to  force  either  group  to  make  concessions. 
Since  the  Conference  required  that  a  majority  vote  of 
each  group  should  determine  the  vote  of  the  group,  and  that 
all  three  groups  must  agree  before  an  action  was  confirmed, 
a  break-up  was  only  to  have  been  expected. 

The  Second  Conference  failed  to  settle  any  of  the  vital 
issues  in  the  controversy,  and  accordingly  its  efforts  were 
as  futile  as  those  of  the  First  Conference. 

Meanwhile,  the  conflict  grows  apace  —  the  "  open- 
shop  "  movement  continues  throughout  the  country.  This 
movement  has  been  especially  pronounced  in  the  smaller 
cities  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  from  Wisconsin  to  Texas. 
The  increased  cost  of  living  has  caused  much  unrest, —  all 


32  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  promises  to  reduce  it  were  long  unfulfilled.  Workers 
have  rebelled  against  their  old  leaders  because  these  of- 
ficials took  no  action  to  meet  the  situation  promptly. 
Every  opportunity  of  employers  to  break  with  the  unions 
seems  to  be  eagerly  seized.  Confronted  by  these  develop- 
ments, we  need  to  study  some  of  the  more  important  per- 
manent types  of  associations  in  order  better  to  understand 
the  association  movement. 

Characterization  of  Typical  Associations  Studied. — 
In  the  following  chapters,  certain  associations  have  been 
selected  for  study  as  typical  of  the  movement.  The  Stove 
Founders'  National  Defense  Association  has  been  selected 
as  a  national  negotiatory  organization.  It  is  a  centralized 
body  and  bargains  with  the  International  Holders'  Union  on 
a  national  scale,  but  deals  with  labor  troubles  and  strikes 
through  both  district  and  national  committees.  The 
National  Founders'  Association  is  a  national  belligerent 
organization.  It  has  a  regular  organization  for  combat- 
ing strikes,  and  conducts  a  propaganda  against  closed-shop 
unionism  in  order  to  prevent  strikes.  Its  powers  are  also 
centralized.  The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  is  a 
close-knit  federation,  national  in  scope  and  belligerent  in 
attitude.  It  combats  strikes  largely  through  its  branches. 
It  seeks  to  prevent  strikes  and  conducts  a  propaganda  for 
this  purpose.  The  National  Erectors'  Association  is  clearly 
the  most  belligerent  national  association  in  the  United  States. 
It  makes  war  upon  unionism  from  every  side.  The  Build- 
ing Trades  Employers'  Association  of  New  York  and  the 
Building  Construction  Employers'  Association  of  Chicago 
are  both  local  federations  of  other  associations  that  bargain 
with  the  unions  and  fight  occasionally  in  order  to  carry  on 
negotiations  without  making  too  many  concessions.  The 
former  is  noted  for  its  methods  of  handling  labor  difficul- 
ties, part  of  the  time  with  a  General  Arbitration  Board. 
The  latter  association  is  noted  especially  for  its  "  uniform 


The  Industrial  Conflict  33 

form  of  agreement "  as  a  means  designed  to  reduce  sym- 
pathetic strikes  and  other  labor  troubles.  The  United 
Typothetae  of  America  presents  an  illustration  of  an  or- 
ganization divided  against  itself  in  labor  matters  with  two 
divisions,  one  negotiatory  the  other  belligerent.  It  is  a 
large  national  federation  which,  as  a  unit,  concerns  itself 
primarily  with  trade  conditions  in  the  printing  industry. 
The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association  has  a 
labor  division  which  has  standardized  national  trade  agree- 
ments and  arbitrates  issues  that  arise  under  these.  It  is 
accordingly  a  national  negotiatory  body.  The  National 
Association  of  Manufacturers  is  a  national  centralized 
belligerent  propaganda  association,  primarily  engaged  in 
opposing  legislation  sought  by  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor.  The  National  Civic  Federation  is  a  national  media- 
tory association,  made  up  of  three  groups;  employers,  union 
officials,  and  publicists.  It  attempts  by  means  of  confer- 
ences to  promote  amicable  relations  between  employers  and 
union  officials.  The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  is  a 
national  organization  that  makes  war  upon  the  unions  for 
their  illegal  practices.  It  aims  to  collect  and  dissem- 
inate information  on  the  legal  phases  of  the  conflict  and 
on  other  developments  in  industrial  relations.  The  Na- 
tional Industrial  Conference  Board  is  a  loose  federation  of 
national  and  state  industrial  associations  for  the  investiga- 
tion and  discussion  of  vital  problems  as  a  basis  for  united 
action  in  combating  "  union  fallacies  "  and  proposals  based 
thereon.  The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  is  a 
local  belligerent  association  which  has  become  of  national 
significance  through  its  nation-wide  propaganda  against  the 
closed  shop,  and  its  efforts  to  co-ordinate  all  the  local  open- 
shop  employers'  associations  in  the  United  States. 

These  thirteen  associations,  besides  presenting  various 
phases  of  the  association  movement,  have  in  their  great 
prominence  another  strong  claim  for  extended  consideration. 


34  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

REFERENCES 

10  (2) '20  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor.  2  Report  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Forty-First  Annual  Conven- 
tion of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  1921,  p.  30,  (Abv.  '21  A  F 
L).  3  '19  A  F  L  38-39,  163;  '20  A  F  L  30-31 :  '21  A  F  L  23-25.  *  '20  A 
F  L  291,  423.  s  Constitution  of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  2, 
(Abv  Const  A  F  L)  ;  '20  A  F  L  xxvi.  «  Const  AFL3;'2oAFL 
xxvi.  ^  See  indices  to  "  Proceedings  "  A  F  L ;  also  Labor,  Its  Griev- 
ances, Protest  and  Demands.  ^  Interview.  ^  S  '13  American  Industries 
15 ;  Synopsis  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Convention,  Na- 
tional Metal  Trades  Association,  1912,  pp.  4,  41 ;  F  '14  Bulletin  of  the 
National  Metal  Trades  Association.  10  Letter,  National  Metal  Trades 
Association,  "  To  Members ;"  See  also  My  '17  Review,  of  the  National 
Founders'  Association,  p.  184,  (Abv.  Rev).  ^^  My  '12  Rev  7.  ^^  O  '20 
Law  and  Labor  230;  O  *20  American  Industries  22-128;  see  also  list  of 
references  under  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis,  reference  num- 
ber 202, 


PART  I 

ASSOCIATIONS  IN  THE  IRON  AND 
STEEL  INDUSTRY 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  STOVE  FOUNDERS'  NATIONAL  DEFENSE 
ASSOCIATION 

The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association  is 
one  of  the  oldest  of  present-day  national  employers'  associa- 
tions and  it  has  been  regarded  by  noted  students  of  labor 
problems  as  the  type  of  future  associations  which  are  to 
solve  the  problem  of  the  conflict  between  employer  and 
employee.^  Its  experience  with  collective  bargaining,  how- 
ever, is  not  reassuring;  in  fact,  no  negotiatory  association 
of  prominence,  over  a  considerable  period  of  time,  it  seems, 
has  been  able  to  avoid  serious  strikes.  Because  of  its  his- 
torical antecedents,  and  the  wide-spread  belief  that  it  points 
the  way  to  the  solution  of  the  labor  problem,  it  is  given  first 
extended  discussion  in  these  pages. 

Membership. —  The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense 
Association  is  an  organization  of  about  80  corporations, 
firms  and  persons  ^  engaged  as  principals  in,  and  operating 
foundries  for,  the  manufacture  of  cooking  and  heating 
stoves,  ranges  and  furnaces  ^ —  all  in  the  United  States  ex- 
clusively.^ Its  members  ordinarily  employ  approximately 
10,000  workmen  —  molders,  mounters,  polishers  and  com- 
mon laborers  ^ —  and  produce  about  80  per  cent  of  the  prod- 
ucts of  this  special  industry.^ 

Structure  and  Government. —  The  powers  of  govern- 
ment are  somewhat  divided  between  a  General  Executive 
Committee   and    four   district   committees.     The   territory 

37 


38  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

of  the  Association  is  divided  into  four  districts  in  each  of 
which  is  a  district  committee  of  five  members.  The  mem- 
bers of  these  committees  are  elected  at  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  Association.  The  Chairman  and  Vice-Chairman  of  each 
District  Committee,  with  the  President,  the  two  Vice-Presi- 
dents and  the  Treasurer  of  the  Association,  constitute  the 
General  Executive  Committee  of  the  Association.  These 
officers  of  the  Association  are  also  elected  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  organization.  The  President  is  the  presid- 
ing officer  of  the  General  Executive  Committee,  which  may 
be  summoned  by  him,  or  by  four  of  its  members  collec- 
tively.'^ This  Committee  "  shall  make  such  assessments  as 
are  requisite  to  provide  for  necessary  expenses,  and  shall 
have  full  power  to  act  in  such  manner  as  it  may  deem  ad- 
visable for  the  effectual  fulfillment  of  the  object  of  the 
Association."  *  In  the  settlement  of  labor  troubles,  how- 
ever, the  District  Committee,  as  we  shall  see,  usually  plays  a 
more  important  part  than  the  General  Executive  Committee. 

Objects. —  The  stated  objects  of  the  Association  are: 
"  to  unite  the  Stove  Manufacturers  of  the  United  States  for 
their  mutual  protection,  for  the  resistance  against  any  un- 
just demands  of  their  workmen,  and  for  such  other  pur- 
poses as  may  from  time  to  time  prove,  or  appear  to  be 
necessary  for  the  benefit  of  the  members  thereof,  as  em- 
ployers of  labor."  ^  With  such  objects,  and  with  so  large  a 
grant  of  power,  the  General  Executive  Committee  does  not 
seem  to  be  limited  greatly  in  its  functions,  in  fact  has  "'an 
autocratic  power."  ^^  The  representatives  of  the  Associa- 
tion have  much  power  conferred  upon  them  in  the  control  of 
the  shops  of  the  members. 

Obligation  of  Members. —  Members  are  bound  to  the 
Association  by  both  an  obligation  and  a  deposit  in  an  emer- 
gency fund.  The  first  requirement  is  that  "  All  members  of 
this  Association  shall  execute  in  writing  an  agreement  or 
obligation  as  follows : 


The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association         39 

"  We,  the  undersigned,  do  hereby  covenant  and  agree  to  and 
with  each  and  every  person  composing  the  membership  of  the 
Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association  as  follows: 

**  First. —  Any  unjust  demands  made  upon  a  member  of  said 
Association  by  his  workmen,  or  others,  shall  be  resisted  by 
the  united  action  of  all  members  in  protecting  said  member 
upon  whom  such  unjust  demand  shall  be  made. 

"  Second. —  We  bind  ourselves  to  obey  the  Constitution,  By- 
Laws  and  lawful  regulations  of  this  Association."  ^^ 

A  member  is  not  considered  in  good  standing  until  he 
has  signed  the  above  obligation,  has  conformed  to  the  Con- 
stitution, By-Laws  and  other  agreements  of  the  Association, 
and  has  had  his  acts  fully  approved  and  confirmed  by  its 
executive  officers. ^^  The  paragraph  of  the  By-Laws  re- 
lating to  the  deposit  required  in  the  emergency  fund  is: 
"  On  initiation  new  members  shall  pay  to  this  fund  such 
sum  in  proportion  to  the  unexpended  balance  of  the  fund  as 
the  number  of  molders  they  employ  bears  to  the  total  num- 
ber employed  by  all  the  members  according  to  the  two  quar- 
terly reports  last  preceding."  ^^  When  we  note  that  the 
emergency  fund  has  totaled  over  $200,000 ;"  that  the  aver- 
age deposit  of  a  member  has  been  approximately  $2,700,  and 
of  the  largest  member  nearly  $11,000,^''  we  can  readily  see 
that  a  member  is  closely  bound  to  the  Association. 

Dues  and  Funds. —  The  cost  of  initiation  is  $50,  and 
the  annual  dues  are  $25.  In  addition  to  this,  assessments 
are  levied  upon  members.  An  assessment  of  ten  cents  a 
molder  monthly  upon  each  member  of  the  Association  is 
required  for  the  emergency  fund,  and  may  be  increased 
by  a  majority  vote  of  the  General  Executive  Committee  to 
replace  any  money  drawn  from  that  fund.  For  the  pur- 
pose of  assessment,  the  maximum  number  of  molders  em- 
ployed during  the  previous  three-months  period,  is  taken. 
Two  apprentices  or  helpers  are  counted  as  one  molder.^® 
The  emergency  fund,  under  the  present  provisions,  is  to  be 


40  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

used  for  the  purpose  of  meeting  any  serious  emergency 
that  may  arise,  is  to  be  invested  and  the  interest  added  to  the 
fund  in  order  to  increase  it,  and  all  impairments  of  the 
fund  are  to  be  made  good  by  a  special  assessment. ^^ 

Evolution. —  The  evolution  of  the  Stove  Founders' 
National  Defense  Association  is  the  reverse  of  the  three 
other  associations  selected  for  study  in  the  iron  and  steel  in- 
dustry,—  after  being  belligerent  for  nearly  five  years,  it 
became  negotiatory.  It  was  organized  to  fight,  while  they 
were  formed  to  negotiate  with  labor  organizations.  Today, 
it  deals  with  organized  labor,  while  the  other  three  associa- 
tions make  war  upon  the  unions. 

The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association  was 
organized  at  a  meeting  of  the  National  Association  of  Stove 
Manufacturers  held  June  14,  1886,  and  comprised  most  of 
the  members  of  the  latter  organization,  which  wished  to 
devote  itself  largely  to  the  commercial  phases  of  the  stove 
industry  rather  than  to  choose  either  to  continue  to  deal  with 
labor  problems  in  an  inefficient  manner,  or  to  enlarge  its 
scope  to  deal  with  them  efficiently.  The  newly  formed  or- 
ganization had  then  "  for  its  purpose  the  unification  of  its 
members  for  protection  and  defense  against  unjust,  unlaw- 
ful and  unwarranted  demands  of  labor."  ^^  Shortly  after 
its  formation,  it  engaged  in  a  series  of  contests  with  the 
Iron  Molders'  Union  of  North  America,  and  decisively  de- 
feated the  union  in  every  important  strike  called  in  the 
shops  of  its  members  during  the  period  from  1886  to 
1891.^®  The  union  was  then  willing  to  come  to  terms,  and 
Mr.  Thomas  J.  Hogan,  then  a  stove  manufacturer,  and  Mr, 
Martin  Fox  of  the  union,  agreed  to  make  arrangements  for 
peace  between  the  two  organizations.^^  *     "  Accordingly  a 

*  President  George  Mitchell  says  on  this  point,  "  To  the  best  of  my 
knowledge  it  was  not  Mr.  Hogan  who  was  responsible  for  the  Agree- 
ments between  the  two  Associations,  but  Mr.  Henry  Cribben  of  the 
Cribben  &  Sexton  Stove  Co.,  Chicago,  who  was  our  first  President." 
[D(3i)'20  Letter  from  Pres.  Mitchell.] 


The  Stove  Founders^  National  Defense  Association         41 

conference  was  held  in  Chicago  March  25th,  26th,  and 
27th,  1 89 1,  when  it  was  agreed  that  there  would  be  no 
strikes  or  lockouts  and  that  all  differences  be  amicably  set- 
tled upon  a  basis  outlined  in  the  conference  agreements."  ^^ 
The  Association  has  thus  described  the  outcome :  "  Con- 
ferences have  been  held  each  year  since  and  agreements 
made  which  have  been  closely  adhered  to  by  both  organi- 
zations, with  the  result  that  better  and  more  substantial 
results  have  followed,  and  all  serious  trouble  has  been 
avoided  since  the  first  conference  was  held."  ^^  However, 
its  adoption  of  a  new  "  Declaration  of  Principles  "  in  1907, 
caused  American  Industries  to  suppose  at  that  time  that 
the  Association  had  become  belligerent  again  and  would 
stand  for  the  open  shop.^^  *  Notwithstanding  the  fact 
that  within  the  Association  there  had  been  up  to  this  time 
a  long  contest  between  the  conciliatory  officials  and  members 

According  to  a  booklet  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.,  issued  in  1893,  we  find 
that  former  President  Cribben  did  appoint  the  committee  from  the 
Association,  but  that  considerable  discussion  had  preceded  the 
appointment  of  this  committee.  Former  Secretary  Hogan  informed  the 
author  some  years  ago  that  these  discussions  had  been  carried  on  be- 
tween Mr.  Martin  Fox  —  then  President  of  the  I.  M.  U. —  and  Mr. 
Hogan.  The  booklet  states  (p.  9)  :  "  During  various  interviews  between 
the  officers  of  the  Association  and  those  of  the  Molders'  Union,  the 
former  deprecated  the  necessity  of  internecine  strife  forced  upon  them 
and  expressed  a  wish  that  other  and  better  plans  of  settling  disputed 
points  could  be  devised  and  enforced.  .  .  .  Mr.  Martin  Fox,  .  .  . 
addressed  a  letter  November  29,  1890,  to  Secretary  Hogan,  stating  that 
a  general  convention  of  his  organization  had  authorized  the  appointment 
of  a  committee  to  meet  a  similar  committee  of  the  D.  A.  for  the  purpose 
or  'arranging  plans  for  future  action,  whereby  questions  of  wages  or 
other  differences  may  be  mutually  settled  without  incurring  loss  or 
injury  to  the  parties  concerned,'  and  stating  that  such  committee  was 
ready  to  meet  and  confer  with  the  D.  A.  committee  at  any  time,  to  make 
arrangements  to  guide  them  in  future  actions.  President  Cribben,  under 
the  authority  of  a  resolution  adopted  in  Detroit,  in  1887,  appointed  a 
committee  of  five  to  meet  the  molders'  committee.  .  .  ." 

*  President  Mitchell  states  that,  "  Mr.  Van  Qeave  had  little  or  noth- 
ing to  do  with  this  movement.  It  was  the  child  of  Mr.  Grange  Sard  and 
ended  in  hopeless  failure,  expiring  at  the  first  joint  Conference.    At 


42  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

on  one  hand  and  its  belligerent  members  on  the  other  hand, 
headed  by  Mr.  James  Van  Cleave,  of  the  Buck's  Stove  & 
Range  Co.,  who  strove  to  make  it  an  open-shop  organiza- 
tion,^^ the  Association  has  maintained  its  negotiatory  char- 
acter up  even  to  the  present  time  (1921).  Its  officials  have 
disregarded  the  belligerent  clauses  in  the  Principles.^*  But 
that  the  Association  has  had  strikes  to  deal  with,  some  of  a 
serious  nature,  was  reluctantly  admitted  by  its  then  Sec- 
retary, Mr.  Hogan,  before  the  Commission  on  Industrial 
Relations. 2^  *  In  1918,  for  instance,  labor  troubles  were  so 
serious  and  required  so  much  time  of  the  President,  George 
Mitchell,  that  the  Association  voted  him  a  gift  of  $6,000.^^ 

That  the  Association  "exhibits  strong  hostility  to  or- 
ganized labor  in  its  by-laws,"  ^''  was  the  expressed  opinion 
erf  Mr.  Spelling  while  he  was  an  attorney  for  the  American 
Federation  of  Labor.  There  is  no  doubt  that  a  belligerent 
official  could  easily  give  a  belligerent  interpretation  to  the 
Principles,  which  are: 

the  time  there  was  no  real  issue  between  the  two  Associations." 
[D  (31) '20  Letter.]  If  such  were  the  case,  it  is  difficult  to  understand 
why  Mr.  Van  Cleave  issued  an  extended  booklet  on  "  A  Review  of  the 
Labor  Troubles  of  the  Buck's  Stove  &  Range  Co,  in  Relation  to  the 
Stove   Founders'  National   Defense  Association." 

*  There  is,  of  course,  considerable  difference  of  opinion  as  to  what 
constitutes  a  "serious  strike."  President  Mitchell  writes  [D(3i)'20 
Letter.]  "  We  have  so  far,  due  to  our  Agreements,  avoided  any 
serious  strikes.  .  .  .  Regardless  of  the  admissions  you  refer  to  by 
Secretary  Hogan,  the  Association  was  not  troubled  with  any  serious 
strikes.  In  fact,  we  had  but  ordinary  troubles  at  the  time  and  Mr. 
Hogan  was  in  very  poor  health.  Our  troubles  regarding  strikes  on  the 
part  of  the  molders  are  reduced  to  a  minimum  because  of  our  Agree- 
ments with  the  Molders'  Union." 

However,  the  International  Molders'  Jourtuxl,  []a  '21,  p.  25]  says, 
"For  several  years,  violations  of  Clause  3  [which  prohibits  "discon- 
tinued operations,"  "  stoppages  of  work,"  or  in  plain  words,  strikes  and 
lockouts]  developed  serious  situations  in  some  sections  of  the  country. 
There  has  been,  and  most  justly  so,  an  insistent  demand  that  members 
of  the  I.  M.  U.  of  N.  A.  employed  in  foundries  of  members  of  the 
S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  shall  maintain  a  more  strict  regard  for  the  letter  and  the 


The  Stove  Founder^  National  Defense  Association         43 

"DECLARATION  OF  PRINCIPLES 

"  I.  A  labor  union,  guided  by  proper  rules  and  governed  by 
judicious  leaders,  is  of  advantage  to  employers  and  employees. 

"  2.  In  consideration  of  this  fact  and  of  the  entering  into 
written  agreements,  no  Union  rules  should  be  applied  to  the 
S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  shops,  except  such  as  are  mutually  agreed  upon 
in  conference. 

"  3.  No  man  shall  be  refused  employment  or  be  discharged, 
because  of  membership  or  non-membership  in  any  Union  with 
which  we  have  a  written  agreement. 

"  4.  A  Committee  of  three  shall  be  recognized,  composed  of 
employees  who  are  acceptable  to  their  employers.  This  Com- 
mittee may  appeal  to  their  foremen,  or  to  the  officers  of  the 
Company,  on  any  question,  but  during  working  hours  they  shall 
give  no  orders  to  the  men ;  they  shall  not  interfere  with  the 
work,  nor  in  any  way  interfere  with  the  proper  duties  and 
authority  of  their  foremen. 

"  5.  The  ratio  of  apprentices  may  be  regulated  by  con- 
ference with  the  representatives  of  the  workmen,  but  in  the 
absence  of  any  agreement  the  manufacturer  shall  determine 
the  number  of  apprentices  he  requires.  No  agreement  shall 
be  recognized  that  would  prevent  the  employer  from  using  ad- 
ditional apprentices,  or  unskilled  labor,  when,  in  his  judgment 
and  with  the  approval  of  the  representative  of  the  Association, 
a  sufficient  number  of  satisfactory  journeymen  cannot  be  ob- 
tained. 

"  6.  There  shall  be  no  interference  with  the  employment  of 
unskilled  labor,  nor  with  the  use  of  machines  and  appliances 
in  any  department. 

"  7.  There  shall  be  no  limitation  of  output  or  earnings. 

"  8.  An  employee,  who,  in  the  judgment  of  the  fore- 
man, violates  any  rules  of  the  shop,  is  liable  to  immediate  dis- 
charge. 

"9.  The  time  for  equalizing  prices  shall  be  from  January 

spirit  of  the  agreements."  These  "  stoppages  of  work  "  were  one  of  the 
issues  that  threatened  to  disrupt  the  Agreements  the  past  December,  and 
the  trouble  seems  to  have  been  postponed,  not  settled. 


44  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

1st  until  the  time  when  wages  are  by  agreement  fixed  for  the 
year. 

"  lo.  The  owners  of  a  factory  may  make  its  shop  rules,  but 
in  order  to  receive  their  support  by  the  Defense  Association, 
they  must  be  approved  by  its  representatives. 

"  II.  Any  disagreement  shall  be  settled  in  the  usual  manner 
provided  for  in  our  agreements."  ^* 

Methods  for  Settling  Strikes. —  The  Association  has 
elaborate  provisions  for  settling  any  labor  troubles  that  may 
arise  in  the  shops  of  its  members,  and,  in  case  of  inability 
to  adjust  the  difficulty,  for  combating  the  strike. 

The  procedure  in  case  of  a  difficulty  between  a  member 
of  the  Association  and  his  workmen,  is  as  follows:  If  the 
member  is  unable  to  settle  the  difficulty  he  gives  immediate 
notice  to  the  President  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Association. 
These  officers  are  required  either  to  take  up  the  matter  im- 
mediately and  endeavor  to  effect  a  settlement,  either  them- 
selves or  through  the  conference  committee  of  the  Asso- 
ciation and  the  union,  or  to  refer  the  dispute  to  the  district 
committee  in  the  district  in  which  the  trouble  occurs.  If 
the  difficulty  is  of  minor  importance  and  the  President  and 
the  Secretary  cannot  settle  it,  they  may  arrange  for  such 
relief  as  they  believe  necessary  and  authorize  the  payment 
of  expenses,  if  of  moderate  amount.  If  the  difficulty  is  of 
importance  and  these  officers  cannot  settle  it,  the  matter  goes 
to  the  district  committee.  This  committee  goes  to  the  foun- 
dry where  the  trouble  is,  and  conducts  hearings  at  which  each 
party  to  the  controversy  is  allowed  to  present  its  grievances. 
After  the  hearings  the  committee  must  decide  the  matter 
in  dispute.  If,  however,  the  workmen  refuse  to  present 
their  grievances  after  having  been  duly  notified  to  do  so,  the 
committee  is  empowered  to  decide  the  question  without  their 
testimony.  The  employer  is  forbidden  to  effect  a  settle- 
ment of  the  dispute  after  the  matter  has  been  appealed  to 


The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association         45 

the  committee  except  with  its  consent.  An  appeal  may  be 
taken  from  the  decision  of  the  district  committee  to  the 
General  Executive  Committee  if  the  member  of  the  Asso- 
ciation feels  aggrieved  at  the  decision.  The  General  Exec- 
utive Committee  is  required  to  meet  within  five  days  after 
the  appeal  is  made.  A  three-fourths  vote  of  the  committee- 
men present  is  necessary  to  reverse  the  decision  of  the  dis- 
trict committee.  ^^ 

Combating  Strikes. —  If  these  efforts  fail  to  settle  the 
controversy,  the  district  committee  may  provide,  after  a  full 
investigation  of  the  needs  of  the  member,  a  method  or 
methods  of  combating  the  strike  as  follows:  First,  the 
committee  may  have  his  work  done  in  the  shops  of  other 
members  in  that  district;  second,  it  may  procure  men  for 
him  to  work  in  his  shop;  or  third,  it  may  pay  him,  if  the 
second  method  is  chosen,  as  compensation  a  rate  to  be  deter- 
mined by  the  General  Executive  Committee,  for  every  man 
not  furnished  him  within  a  specified  time.  A  combination 
of  any  two  or  three  of  the  methods  may  be  used.  But,  if 
the  first  method  is  not  attempted,  and  the  committee  finds 
itself  unable  to  supply  the  member  with  any  men,  the  third 
method  would  be  employed  exclusively.^^ 

Should  the  committee  decide  to  have  the  work  done  for 
the  struck  member,  the  patterns  for  the  work  are  distributed 
equitably  among  the  other  members  in  the  district,  who  are 
required  to  give  this  work  preference  over  all  other  work  in 
their  shops.  In  any  shop  where  the  workmen  refuse  to  do 
this  work,  the  shop  is  closed  until  the  original  difficulty  is 
settled,  and  if  three-fourths  of  the  foundries  of  the  members 
in  any  district  are  thus  closed,  the  work  for  the  struck  mem- 
ber and  the  meml^ers  declaring  the  lockout  in  that  district, 
is  equitably  distributed  among  the  members  of  the  two 
nearest  districts.  Should  all  the  foundries  in  any  three  dis- 
tricts be  -closed,  the  President  must  summon  a  special  meet- 


46  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ing  of  the  Association  to  act  in  the  matter.  Members  doing 
work  for  struck  members  are  allowed  to  charge  only  the 
actual  cost  as  determined  by  the  district  committee. ^^ 

In  case  the  district  committee  decides  to  combat  the 
strike  by  supplying  men  for  the  struck  shop,  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Association  are  required  to  supply  him  with  com- 
petent workmen  to  the  extent  of  seventy  per  cent  of  the 
maximum  number  he  employed  according  to  his  latest  report. 
The  proportion  of  workmen  each  member  is  required  to 
supply  is  determined  by  the  ratio  that  the  number  of  his 
workmen  bears  to  the  total  number  employed  by  all  the 
members  of  the  Association,  A  member,  not  suffering  from 
any  difficulty  in  his  shop  is  fined  not  to  exceed  five  dollars  a 
day  for  each  workman  he  fails  to  supply  of  his  quota  deter- 
mined by  the  district  committee.^^ 

The  Association  pays  all  necessary  expenses  for  police 
and  private  guards  to  protect  the  property  of  any  member 
threatened  with  injury  or  destruction  by  combinations  of 
strikers  or  their  sympathizers.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  dis- 
trict committee  "  to  authorize,  order  and  conduct  the  prose- 
cution of  the  leaders  of  mobs  or  persons  threatening  or  doing 
injury  to  the  property  of  the  members."  *^  The  expense  of 
these  prosecutions  is  borne  by  the  Association.  Further- 
more, the  General  Executive  Committee  of  the  Association 
is  authorized  and  empowered  "  to  treat  with,  or  proceed 
legally  against  any  party  or  parties,  who  may  at  any  time 
be  engaged  in  an  effort  to  boycott  the  products  of  a  member 
of  the  Association."  ^* 

Although  the  Association  holds  conferences  and  makes 
trade  agreements  with  the  molders'  union,  further  evidence 
of  its  belligerency  is  found  in  the  provision  of  its  By-Laws, 
that,  "  No  member  of  this  Association  shall  affix  a  union 
label  on  any  goods  of  his  manufacture."  ^^  *     In  addition, 

*  See  also  Clause  19  of  the  Agreements. 


The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association         47 

the  By-Laws  provide  for  the  abrogation  of  the  trade  agree- 
ments with  any  labor  union  which  directly  or  indirectly  main- 
tains a  boycott  in  any  form  against  any  member  of  the 
Association  in  good  standing.^" 

Preventing  Strikes. —  For  preventing  strikes,  the  Asso- 
ciation has  adopted  the  method  of  holding  conferences  and 
making  trade  agreements  with  the  union.  The  Association 
has  held  conferences  and  made  agreements  with  the  Iron 
Molders'  Union  of  North  America,  the  Metal  Polishers, 
Buffers,  Platers,  Brass  Molders  and  Brass  Workers'  Inter- 
national Union  of  North  America,  and  with  the  Stove 
Mounters'  International  Union  of  North  America.  It  is 
with  the  Iron  Molders'  Union,  however,  that  it  has  held  the 
major  number  of  conferences,  and  it  is  the  agreement  with 
this  union  upon  which  those  with  the  other  unions  were 
based. ^^  Moreover,  the  agreements  with  the  other  unions 
were  broken  off  several  years  ago  and  up  to  192 1  had  not 
been  renewed. ^^ 

Conference  Agreements. —  Through  a  series  of  confer- 
ences extending  over  a  number  of  years,  the  Association  and 
the  Iron  Molders'  Union  have  reached  agreements  on  a  num- 
ber of  points  on  which  formerly  there  was  sharp  issue, 
especially  on  shop  rules  formulated  either  by  the  employer 
on  one  hand  and  resisted  on  the  other  by  the  union,  or  by  the 
union  and  opposed  by  the  employer.  Among  these  points 
are:  the  procedure  in  adjusting  difficulties  between  a  mem- 
ber employer  and  his  workmen ;  the  apprenticeship  ques- 
tion ;  the  fixing  of  piece  prices,  either  for  hand  or  machine 
molding,  and  advances  and  reductions  in  the  percentages  on 
the  base  price ;  the  furnishing  of  tools ;  allowances  for  dull 
or  dirty  iron;  the  use  of  a  book  of  piece  prices  in  each  shop 
accessible  to  the  workmen;  the  employment  of  helpers;  the 
establishment  of  the  eight-hour  day  with  an  allowance  of 
time  and  one-half  for  overtime ;  the  prohibition  against  cut- 
ting piece  prices  to  limit  the  earnings  of  molders;  minimum 


48  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

daily  wages  for  molders  and  coremakers;  and  the  method 
of  counting  for  each  molder  the  number  of  good  castings  he 
has  made.  These  conference  agreements  in  1921  contained 
29  clauses,  some  of  which  have  been  amended  frequently.^* 
These  conference  agreements  provide  for  negotiations  as 
the  method  of  adjusting  differences  between  a  member  of 
the  Association  and  his  union  workmen.  For  this  purpose 
a  conference  committee  is  formed  consisting  of  twelve  mem- 
bers,^*^  six  of  whom  are  chosen  by  the  Union  and  five  ap- 
pointed by  the  President  of  the  Association,  one  each  from 
the  four  districts  and  one  at  large,  while  the  sixth  represent- 
ative of  the  Association  is  the  President  himself.^^  It 
is  to  this  committee  that  all  disputes  between  members  of 
the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  and  the  Iron  Molders'  Union  are  re- 
ferred when  the  President  of  the  Association  and  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Union  or  their  deputies  cannot  reach  an  agree- 
ment as  to  the  points  in  dispute.  Only  a  small  percentage 
of  the  disputes  ever  come  before  the  conference  committee 
for  settlement.  In  fact,  during  the  time  of  Secretary 
Hogan,  disputes  were  generally  handled  by  him  as  deputy 
of  the  President.^^  The  present  Secretary,  Mr.  Sloan,  plays 
an  important  part  in  allaying  labor  troubles.^ ^  In  case  the 
two  Presidents  or  their  deputies  cannot  reach  an  agreement, 
they  may  refer  the  matter  to  the  conference  committee 
which  decides  the  issue  by  a  majority  vote.  This  decision 
is  binding  on  both  parties  to  the  dispute  for  a  period  of 
twelve  months.  While  the  dispute  is  being  settled,  neither 
party  to  it  is  permitted  to  discontinue  the  ordinary  opera- 
tions of  the  shop.^*  The  Union  enforces  these  conference 
agreements  and  adjustments  by  suspending  the  local  union 
that  refuses  to  comply  with  them.^^  The  Association,  on 
the  other  hand,  expels  a  member  who  refuses  to  be  governed 
by  the  decisions  of  the  conference  committee,  and  he  then 
forfeits  the  large  deposit  that  he  has  made  to  the  emergency 
fund  of  the  Association.*® 


The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association         49 

The  points  or  clauses  over  which  the  conference  commit- 
tees have  spent  the  most  time  and  effort  are  those  relating 
to  hours  and  wages.  In  19 17,  for  instance,  the  committee 
spent  nineteen  days  in  arriving  at  an  agreement,  and  the 
main  points  in  dispute  were  wage  increases  and  a  reduction 
in  the  hours  of  molding.  "  The  International  Molders' 
Union  of  North  America  had  thirty-one  trained  conferees 
at  the  session  —  men  skilled  in  all  technicalities  of  the  work 
—  who  specialize  in  the  handling  of  so-called  grievances  and 
demands  for  their  union.  The  Stove  Founders'  National 
Defense  Association  was  represented  by  practical  employers 
who  knew  precisely  the  conditions  of  the  trade  and  how  its 
interests  should  be  conserved."  ^'  *  The  negotiations  over 
shop  conditions,  the  interpretation  as  well  as  the  formula- 
tion of  shop  rules  by  the  conferees,  require  each  side  to  have 
men  with  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  details  of  foundry 
practice  and  with  a  highly  developed  skill  in  bargaining. 
An  examination  of  the  clauses  of  the  192 1  "  Conference 
Agreements  "  will  reveal  the  extent  to  which  the  conference 
committee  deals  with  shop  conditions,  so  that  wages  and 
working  conditions  may  be  standardized  in  stove  foundries 
and  "  unfair  "  competition  among  stove  manufacturers  re- 
duced to  the  minimum. f     The  "  Agreements  "  follow  : 

*  President  Mitchell  calls  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  above  quo- 
tation might  "  make  it  appear  that  31  men  represented  the  Holders' 
Union  and  many  represented  the  Employers,  in  Conferences,  whereas 
the  fact  is  that  both  sides  are  represented  by  six  men  each,  appointed  for 
that  Conference.  During  the  preliminary  sessions  parties  interested 
may  attend,  but  they  take  no  part  in  the  discussions."  [D(3i)'20 
Letter.] 

t "  The  Annual  Conference  was  held  recently,  (December  7th,)  and 
adjourned  until  April,  being  unable  to  reach  any  wage  agreement  for 
1921.  Present  unsettled  conditions,  worldwide,  seemed  to  be  the 
stumbling  block  and  rather  than  dissolve  our  relations,  a  postponement 
was  agreed  to,  in  the  hope  that  a  fair  and  intelligent  conclusion  might 
be  reached.  In  the  meantime  the  agreement  for  1920  to  remain  in 
force." 

"  Our  Association  has  now  but  one  Agreement  with  Labor  and  that 


50  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 


"CONFERENCE    AGREEMENTS    IN    FORCE    AND    RULING 

BETWEEN    THE    INTERNATIONAL    HOLDERS'    UNION 

OF  N.  A.  AND  THE  STOVE  FOUNDERS'   N.  D.  A. 

"  Whereas,*  There  has  heretofore  existed  a  sentiment  that 
the  members  of  the  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  As- 
sociation and  the  members  of  the  International  Holders'  Union 
of  North  America  were  necessarily  enemies,  and  in  conse- 
quence a  mutual  dislike  and  distrust  of  each  other  and  of  their 
respective  organizations  has  arisen,  provoking  and  stimulating 
strife  and  ill-will,  resulting  in  severe  pecuniary  loss  to  both 
parties ;  now,  this  conference  is  held  for  the  purpose  of  culti- 
vating a  more  intimate  knowledge  of  each  other,  and  of  their 
methods,  aims  and  objects,  believing  that  thereby  friendly  re- 
gard and  respect  may  be  engendered,  and  such  agreements 
reached  as  will  dispel  all  inimical  sentiments,  prevent  further 
strife,  and  promote  the  material  and  moral  interests  of  all 
parties  concerned. 

"Clause  I.*  Resolved,  That  this  meeting  adopt  the  prin- 
ciple of  arbitration  in  the  settlement  of  any  dispute  between 
the  members  of  the  I.  M.  U.  of  N.  A.  and  the  members  of 
the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A. 

"  Clause  2.^  That  a  conference  committee  be  formed,  con- 
sisting of  twelve  members,  six  of  whom  shall  be  iron  molders 
appointed  by  the  International  Molders'  Union  of  North 
America,  and  six  members  appointed  by  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A., 
all  to  hold  office  from  January  i  to  December  31  of  each  year. 

"  Clause  3.*^  Whenever  there  is  a  dispute  between  a  member 
of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  and  the  molders  in  his  employ  (when  a 
majority  of  the  latter  are  members  of  the  I.  M.  U.),  and  it 
cannot  be  settled  amicably  between  them,  it  shall  be  referred 
to  the  Presidents  of  the  two  associations  before  named,  who 

is    with    the    Iron    Molders'    Union    of    North    America."     [D(3i)'20 
Letter  from  Pres.  Mitchell.] 

In  regard  to  the  points  at  issue  when  the  deadlock  occurred,  see  the 
International  Molders'  Journal  Ja.  '21  pp.  12-14,  22-26;  F  '21.  pp.  102- 
103;  also  N  '20,  p.  850;  My  '21,  pp.  263-264,  280-281,  288-289,  290.  At 
the  April  conference,  the  differences  were  composed  so  that  the 
"  Conference  Agreements  "  were  amended  and  continued  in  force. 
*  Conference  1891.    *  Conference  1891 ;  Amended  1910. 


The  Stove  J^ounders^  National  Defense  Association         51 

shall  themselves  or  by  delegates  give  it  due  consideration. 
If  they  cannot  decide  it  satisfactorily  to  themselves,  they  may, 
by  mutual  agreement,  summon  the  Conference  Committee,  to 
whom  the  dispute  shall  be  referred,  and  whose  decision  by  a 
majority  vote  shall  be  final  and  binding  upon  each  party 
for  the  term  of  twelve  months. 

"  Pending  adjudication  by  the  Presidents  and  Conference 
Committee,  neither  party  to  the  dispute  shall  discontinue  opera- 
tions, but  shall  proceed  with  business  in  the  ordinary  manner. 
In  case  of  vacancy  in  the  Committee  of  Conference  it  shall 
be  filled  by  the  association  originally  nominating.  No  vote 
shall  be  taken  except  by  a  full  committee  or  by  an  even  number 
of  each  party. 

"  Clause  4.*^  Apprentices  should  be  given  every  opportunity 
to  learn  all  the  details  in  the  trade  thoroughly,  and  should  be 
required  to  serve  four  years.  Any  apprentice  leaving  his  em- 
ployer before  the  termination  of  his  apprenticeship  should  not 
be  permitted  to  work  in  any  foundry  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  I.  M.  U.  of  N.  A.,  but  should  be  required  to  return 
to  his  employer.  An  apprentice  should  not  be  admitted  to 
membership  in  the  I.  M.  U.  of  N.  A.  until  he  has  served  his 
apprenticeship  and  is  competent  to  command  the  average  wages. 
Each  apprentice  in  the  last  year  of  his  apprenticeship  should 
be  given  a  floor  between  two  journeymen  molders,  and  they 
with  the  foreman  should  pay  special  attention  to  his  mechanical 
education  in  all  classes  of  work. 

"  Clause  5."=  The  general  rate  of  molders'  wages  should 
be  established  for  each  year  without  change. 

"  Clause  6."  When  the  members  of  the  Defense  Associa- 
tion shall  desire  a  general  reduction  in  the  rate  of  wages,  or 
the  Molders'  Union  an  advance,  they  shall  each  give  the  other 
notice  at  least  thirty  days  before  the  end  of  each  year,  which 
shall  commence  on  the  first  day  of  January.  If  no  such 
notice  be  given,  the  rate  of  wages  current  during  the  year 
shall  be  the  rate  in  force  for  the  succeeding  year. 

"  Clause  7.^    The  present  established  price  of  work  in  any 

■^Conference  1892.    ^Conference  1892;  Amended  1903, 


52  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

shop  should  be  the  basis  for  the  determination  of  the  price 
of  new  work  of  similar  character  and  grade,  unless  the  Presi- 
dents of  the  two  organizations,  or  their  representatives,  shall 
decide  that  the  established  prices  of  similar  work  in  the  shop 
are  not  in  accord  with  the  price  of  competitive  goods  made  in 
the  district. 

"  Clause  8.^  Any  existing  inequality  in  present  prices  of 
molding  in  a  foundry  or  between  two  or  more  foundries  should 
be  adjusted  as  soon  as  practicable  upon  the  basis  set  forth  in 
the  foregoing  paragraphs  by  mutual  agreement,  or  by  the 
decision  of  the  adjustment  committee  provided  by  the  con- 
ference of  March,  1891. 

"  Clause  9.^  New  work  should  always  be  priced  within  a 
reasonable  time,  and  under  ordinary  circumstances  two  weeks 
is  considered  a  reasonable  time,  and  such  prices,  when  decided 
upon,  should  be  paid  from  the  date  the  work  was  put  in  the 
sand. 

"Clause  lo.s  The  members  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  shall 
furnish  to  their  molders :  Shovels,  riddles,  rammers,  brushes, 
facing-bags,  bellows  and  strike-off,  provided,  however,  that 
they  charge  at  actual  cost  tools  so  furnished,  adopting  some 
method  of  identification ;  and  when  a  molder  abandons  the 
shop,  or  requires  a  new  tool  in  place  of  the  one  so  furnished, 
he  shall,  upon  the  return  of  the  old  tools,  be  allowed  the  full 
price  charged,  without  deducting  for  ordinary  wear ;  any 
damage  beyond  ordinary  wear  to  be  deducted  from  the  amount 
so  charged. 

"  Clause  11.**  When  it  is  shown  that  the  aggregate  loss 
on  account  of  dull  iron  amounts  to  4  per  cent,  of  the  total 
value  of  the  work  pouned  by  the  molders  in  any  one  heat,  it 
shall  be  deemed  a  bad  heat,  and  payment  shall  be  made  for 
all  work  lost  from  this  cause. 

"  When  the  aggregate  loss  from  this  cause  is  less  than 
4  per  cent,  of  the  total  value  of  the  work  poured  by  the  mold- 
ers in  any  one  heat,  and  10  per  cent,  of  the  molders  lose  10 
per  cent,  or  more  of  their  day's  work  in  the  aggregate,  on 

« Conference  1893.  ^Conference  1896.  k  Conference  1896;  Amended 
Conference  1903;  Amended  Conference  1910.  •'Conference  1896; 
Amended  1906. 


The  Stove  Founder/  National  Defense  Association         53 

account  of  dull  iron,  then  such  men  shall  be  paid  for  all  such 
loss  in  excess  of  4  per  cent,  of  their  day's  work;  it  being 
understood  that  where  more  than  one  cupola  is  used,  the  mold- 
ers  receiving  iron  from  each  cupola  shall  be  considered  the 
same  as  though  they  were  working  in  separate  shops  in  mak- 
ing the  above  computation. 

"  Note  —  The  following  resolution  was  adopted  at  Confer- 
ence of  1910. 

"  Resolved,  '  It  has  been  deemed  unwise  to  adopt  any  sweep- 
ing resolutions  covering  claims  which  may  be  made  for  work 
lost  by  the  molders  throughout  the  entire  Association  by  reason 
of  alleged  dirty  iron.  It  is,  however,  conceded  that  where 
there  is  an  abnormal  loss  of  work  in  any  specific  instance, 
that  the  Secretary  of  the  Association  and  any  officer  of  the 
I.  M.  U.  must  promptly  take  the  matter  up  for  investigation, 
and  such  work  lost  through  no  fault  of  the  molder  shall  be  paid 
for  in  full.' 

"  Clause  113^.'  If  sufficient  iron  is  not  furnished  the  molder 
to  pour  off  his  work,  and  such  work  has  to  remain  over,  he 
shall  be  paid  for  such  work  remaining  over  at  one-half  of  the 
regular  price. 

"  This  rule  shall  apply,  excepting  in  case  of  break-down  of 
machinery,  where  no  allowance  shall  be  made. 

"  Clause  12.^  Whenever  -a  difficulty  arises  between  a 
member  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  (whose  foundry  does  not  come 
under  the  provisions  of  Clause  3,  1891  Conference)  and  the 
molders  employed  by  him,  and  said  difficulty  cannot  be 
amicably  settled  between  the  member  and  his  employees,  it 
shall  be  submitted  for  adjudication  to  the  Presidents  of  the 
two  organizations  or  their  representatives  without  prejudice 
to  the  employees  presenting  said  grievance. 

"  Clause  13.^  In  pricing  molding  on  new  stoves  where  there 
are  no  comparative  stoves  made  in  the  shop,  the  prices  shall 
be  based  upon  competitive  stoves  made  in  the  district,  thorough 
comparison  and  proper  consideration  being  given  to  the  merits 
of  the  work  according  to  labor  involved. 

"  Clause  14.''     Stove  manufacturers  members  of  the  S.  F. 

•Conference  1909.  ^Conference  1898.  •'Conference  1899;  Amended 
1910. 


54  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

N,  D.  A.,  shall  furnish  in  their  respective  foundries  a  book 
containing  the  piece  prices  for  molding,  the  same  to  be  placed 
in  the  care  of  the  foreman  of  the  foundry  and  a  responsible 
molder  agreeable  to  both  employer  and  employees,  said  book 
to  be  placed  in  a  locker  on  molding  floor,  to  which  the  foreman 
and  the  molder  so  selected  shall  have  free  and  independent  ac- 
cess. 

"  Clause  15.*  The  general  trend  of  industrial  development 
is  towards  employing  skilled  labor,  as  far  as  practicable,  at 
skilled  work,  and  in  conformance  with  this  tendency,  it  shall 
be  the  policy  in  shops  of  members  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  to 
discontinue  the  present  practice  of  molders  wetting  and  cut- 
ting sand,  dumping  out  and  trimming  castings ;  this  work  to 
be  done  and  paid  for  by  the  firms,  who  shall  regulate  the 
molding  and  pouring  time  as  seems  best  to  them,  agreeing, 
however,  to  furnish  the  last  ladle  of  iron  to  be  poured,  within 
eight  hours  from  the  starting  of  the  eight  hour  work  day; 
failing  in  this,  to  pay  time  and  one-half  time  at  the  minimum 
day  rate  agreed  to  between  the  two  associations  for  time  in 
excess  of  eight  hours. 

"  Each  molder  will  give  the  shaker-out  instructions  as  to  the 
amount  of  water  and  new  sand  required. 

"  When  in  the  morning  the  molder  finds  his  instructions  to 
the  sand  cutter  have  not  been  carried  out,  he  shall  notify  the 
foreman  and  the  foreman  shall  be  responsible  for  putting  the 
sand  in  condition  immediately,  and  if  the  firm  has  the  molder 
put  any  or  all  of  the  sand  in  condition,  the  molder  shall  be  paid 
for  the  time  consumed  at  the  rate  per  hour  that  he  earned  during 
the  molding  period  the  previous  day. 

"  Whenever  it  becomes  necessary  for  a  molder  to  shake  out 
his  floor,  because  of  lack  of  labor  to  do  this  work,  he  shall  be 
paid  for  this  work,  time  and  one-half  on  the  basis  of  the  mini- 
mum day  wage  agreed  to  between  the  two  associations. 

*  Conference  1902;  Amended  Conference  1916;  Amended  Conference 
1918;  Amended  Conference  1919;  Amended  Conference  1921.  ™  Con- 
ference 1902;  Amended  Conference  1916;  Amended  Conference  1918; 
Amended  Conference  1919. 


The  Stove  Founders:'  National  Defense  Association         55 

"  Clause  16.™  Inasmuch  as  it  is  conceded  by  the  members 
of  the  S.  F.  N.  D,  A.  that  the  earnings  of  a  molder  should 
exercise  no  influence  upon  the  molding  price  of  work  which 
is  set,  according  to  well-established  precedent  and  rule  of  con- 
ference agreements,  by  comparison  with  other  work  of  a  like 
kind,  the  placing  of  a  limit  upon  the  earnings  of  a  molder 
should  be  discountenanced  in  shops  of  members  of  the  S.  F. 
N.  D.  A. 

*'  Clause  17."  When  a  full  floor  of  new  work  is  given  a 
molder  he  should  be  guaranteed  the  day-work  rate  of  pay 
for  the  first  day,  in  order  that  he  may  be  given  an  opportunity 
to  get  the  job  in  good  running  order  for  piece  work;  if,  how- 
ever, the  molder  should  earn  more  than  the  day-work  rate, 
he  should  be  paid  his  full  earnings. 

"  Clause  1 8."  Where  a  change  of  job  is  made,  the  molder 
often  loses  considerable  time  and  is  put  to  great  inconvenience 
through  the  necessary  clamps,  boards  and  other  facilities 
needed  for  the  job  not  being  supplied  to  him  promptly.  We 
believe  that  in  well-regulated  shops  that  should  be  made  a 
feature  of  the  shop  management  and  should  be  a  subject  of 
favorable  recommendation  to  the  members  of  the  S.  F.  N. 
D.  A. 

"  Note  —  Conference  of  1910  construed  the  word  facilities  to 
mean  the  prompt  delivery  on  the  molder's  floor  of  all  patterns, 
except  the  first  pattern  in  the  morning,  and  with  all  the  neces- 
sary boards,  flasks,  clamps,  gates,  tins,  chaplets,  cores,  etc., 
required  to  make  the  work. 

"  Clause  19.^  The  International  Holders'  Union  of  North 
America  shall  not  itself  nor  by  any  of  its  agents  in  any  manner 
discriminate  against  the  goods  manufactured  or  sold  by  any 
member  of  the  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association, 
because  of  the  unwillingness  of  such  member  of  said  Associa- 
tion to  use  the  Union  Label,  and  that  a  copy  of  this  resolution 
be  duly  attested  by  the  Presidents  and  Secretaries  of  the  re- 
spective organizations,  with  the  seal  of  each  organization 
attached  thereto,  and  a  facsimile  thereof  be  furnished  each 

"Conference  1902.    <>  Conference  1904, 


56  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

member  of  the  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Associa- 
tion and  each  Local  of  the  International  Molders'  Union  of 
North  America. 

"  Clause  20.°  When  the  price  of  piece-work  has  been  agreed 
to  between  a  member  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  or  his  representa- 
tive and  a  price  committee  representing  the  molders  in  his  shop, 
that  such  prices  shall  be  reduced  to  writing  at  that  time,  and 
shall  be  final  and  binding. 

"  Clause  2I.P  The  general  ratio  of  apprentices  to  journey- 
men molders  employed  in  the  foundries  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A. 
shall  be  one  to  five,  and  one  to  each  shop ;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  whenever  a  member  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  finds 
he  cannot  secure  the  number  of  molders  he  may  require  for 
the  needs  of  his  business,  the  question  shall  be  referred  to  the 
Presidents  of  the  two  Associations,  or  their  representatives, 
for  investigation  and  relief.  If  it  is  found  that  the  member 
of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  is  entitled  to  rehef  he  shall  be  allowed 
such  additional  number  of  apprentices  as  shall  be  mutually 
agreed  upon. 

"  The  number  of  apprentices  shall  be  computed  upon  the 
number  of  floors  being  operated  by  journeymen  molders,  it 
being  understood  that  when  the  force  of  molders  is  increased, 
said  increase  shall  have  been  in  existence  not  less  than  eight 
weeks  previous  to  the  employment  of  additional  apprentices. 

"  In  shops  where  the  ratio  at  present  is  more  than  one  to 
five,  the  ratio  agreed  upon  shall  be  reached  by  refraining  from 
placing  new  apprentices  at  work  until  such  time  as  the  ap- 
prentices employed  shall  have  been  reduced  to  the  proper 
number,  and  that  in  the  shops  where  the  present  ratio  is  less 
than  one  to  five,  no  journeyman  molder  shall  be  discharged 
or  laid  of?  for  the  purpose  of  supplanting  him  by  an  additional 
apprentice. 

"  Clause  22."  Molders  who  may  be  employed  as  *  Cat  Skin- 
ners '  shall  receive  fifteen  per  cent,  premium  on  the  piece 
price  for  the  first  three  days :  and  thereafter,  while  employed 
on  the  same  job,  shall  be  paid  the  regular  rate  of  piece  prices. 

0  Conference  1904.    p  Conference  1905. 


The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association  57 

"  By  '  Cat  Skinner '  is  meant  only  such  molder  as  is 
temporarily  employed  to  work  on  a  floor  that  is  temporarily 
vacant  through  the  absence  of  the  molder  who  is  regularly  em- 
ployed upon  said  floor. 

"  Clause  23."  Recognizing  the  desirability  of  introducing 
new  methods  and  machines  in  stove  foundries,  it  is  agreed 
by  the  conferees  of  the  I.  M.  U.  of  N.  A.  and  of  the  S.  F.  N. 
D.  A.  that  such  processes  are  entitled  to  and  should  have  con- 
sideration in  fixing  prices  and  wages. 

"  Clause  24.P  When  a  stove  is  to  be  priced,  a  list  shall 
be  furnished  the  committee  of  all  pieces  that  belong  to  the 
stove,  whether  some  of  such  pieces  have  been  priced  previously 
or  not,  so  that  the  committee  shall  know  what  pieces  go  with 
the  stove,  and  such  pieces  as  have  been  already  priced  can 
be  so  marked,  and  all  prices,  when  agreed  upon  by  a  committee 
of  molders  and  a  representative  of  the  employer,  to  be  dated 
and  signed  by  both  parties. 

"  Clause  2^.'^  When  new  sand  is  needed,  it  shall  be  deliv- 
ered to  the  molders'  floor  free  of  charge. 

"  Clause  26/  When  a  board  is  priced  with  a  dead-head  and 
the  dead-head  is  taken  out,  the  full  board  price  shall  be  paid 
unless  something  of  a  similar  character  is  substituted,  or  the 
board  may  be  repriced.     [Clause  27  repealed.] 

"  Clause  28.'  The  net  cash  piece  prices  as  per  Base  Sheets 
hereto  attached,  original  copies  of  which  are  filed  with  the 
Officials  of  both  Associations,  be  accepted  and  this  basis  to 
apply  in  pricing  new  or  unpriced  work  on  hand  squeezer,  hand 
arcade,  modern  and  similar  machine  work  in  all  shops  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A. 

"  Second  —  Prices  already  set  on  machine  plates  shall  not 
be  disturbed  by  the  new  basis. 

"Third  —  Sets  of  plates  for  comparison  shall  be  made  and 
sent  to  members'  foundries  before  the  pricing  of  plates  in 
that  shop  will  be  taken  up,  and  a  two  weeks'  notice  should 
be  given  to  the  member  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  before  the  pric- 

P  Conference     1905.    1  Conference     1907.     ■■  Conference     1909.     ■Con- 
ference 1914;  Amended  Conference  1916;  Amended  Conference   1919. 


58  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ing  of  plates  in  his  foundry  can  be  taken  up  by  the  repre- 
sentatives of  the  two  Associations. 

"  Fourth  —  Power  squeezers  shall  be  considered  as  equiva- 
lent to  the  hand  arcade  modern  molding  machine. 

"Fifth  —  The  placing  on  or  taking  off  of  vibrator  attach- 
ments on  machines  shall  not  affect  the  board  prices. 

"  Sixth  —  In  pricing  plates  no  distinction  shall  be  made  as 
between  cast  iron  or  aluminum  plates. 

"  Seventh  —  Three  per  cent  will  be  deducted  from  board 
prices  when  roll  up  flasks  and  roll  up  match  plates  are  used. 

"  Eighth  —  When  work  is  printed  back  an  addition  of  five 
per  cent,  will  be  added  to  the  board  price. 

"  We  designate  as  a  machine,  primarily,  the  simple  squeezer, 
when  match  plates  are  used,  considering  this  the  lowest  type 
of  machine. 

"  Such  machines  are  to  be  regularly  operated  by  journey- 
men molders  or  apprentices,  but  in  the  event  the  shop  manage- 
ment cannot  secure  such  services  out  of  its  regular  force,  then 
relief  shall  be  given  to  it  in  the  manner  provided  for  in  Para- 
graph I,  Clause  21,  Conference  1905. 

"Clause  29*  Six  dollars  shall  be  the  established  mini- 
mum day's  wage  for  all  day  work  molders,  and  molders  work- 
ing by  the  day  at  coremaking  in  the  shops  of  the  members  of 
the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A. 

"  Beginning  May  2,  1921,  the  prevailing  day  rate  as  estab" 
lished  by  the  I.  M.  U.  of  N.  A.  in  the  district  shall  apply. 

"  Where  members  have  employed  molders  during  the  last 
six  months  of  1920  at  the  minimum  of  $6.32^  per  day,  the 
above  shall  not  apply,  but  where  the  members  are  paying  a  rate 
less  than  the  prevailing  day  rate  as  established  by  the  I.  M.  U. 
of  N.  A.,  in  the  district,  no  reduction  shall  be  made. 

"  Note.  The  local  union  shall  allow  an  old,  or  physically  in- 
capacitated molder,  to  work  for  such  wage  as  may  be  mutually 
agreed  upon  between  him,  his  employer  and  the  local  union. 

"  Beginning  May  2,  192 1,  the  molding  prices  of  all  work  in 
shops  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  shall  be  reduced  15  per  cent  on  the 

♦Conference  1916;  Amended  Conference  1917;  Amended  Conference 
1918;  Amended  Conference  1919;  Amended  Conference  1921. 


The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association         59 

prices  paid  at  the  present  time.  Where  the  percentage  is  at 
present  125  per  cent  on  list,  this  reduction  will  make  the  per- 
centage 91^  per  cent,  or  its  equivalent."** 

Resolutions. —  In  addition  to  the  "  Conference  Agree- 
ments," resolutions  have  been  adopted  at  the  conferences. 
These  resolutions  have  formulated  rules  governing  shop 
conditions,  and  in  brief  provide  for:  payment  of  previous 
day's  wages  to  a  molder  taken  off  his  regular  work,  weekly 
payment  of  wages,  the  stamping  of  board  prices  upon  the 
bottom  board  or  match  plates,  the  pricing  of  machine  work 
on  broad  grounds  instead  of  trifling  details,  prompt  fixing 
of  prices  on  new  work,  prompt  settlement  of  minor  shop 
disputes,  recognition  of  the  coremaker  as  a  molder,  a  com- 
mission to  set  a  basis  for  the  pricing  of  cores,  and  an  order 
against  changes  of  prices  by  individual  members.^^ 

The  Association  avoids  strikes  by  not  taking  into  mem- 
bership firms  that  are  continually  having  trouble  with  their 
employees,^  just  as  a  fire  insurance  company  avoids  fire 
losses  by  refusing  to  insure  "fire-trap  "  buildings,  especially 
when  owned  or  occupied  by  careless  persons.  The  degree 
of  success  of  the  Association  in  this  matter  is  shown  by  the 
fact  that  from  1886  to  1900,  the  average  annual  expenses 
of  the  Association  did  not  exceed  $4,000.  Probably  the 
most  expensive  strike  combated  by  the  Association  during 
this  period  was  in  Rochester  in  1891,  and  this  cost  the  or- 
ganization only  about  $6,000."^^  Of  course,  the  Associa- 
tion employs  a  rather  inexpensive  method  of  combating 
strikes  in  most  cases,  at  least  so  far  as  its  expenditures  are 
concerned. 

Dominance  of  the  Association. —  The  Association  to  a 
great  extent  dominates  the  entire  stove  industry  of  the 
United  States  in  the  matter  of  wages  and  working  condi- 
tions, since  it  and  its  sister  organization,*  the  National  As- 
sociation of  Stove  Manufacturers,  control  from  75  to  80 

*  "  The  Association  is  not  in  any  way  allied  with  the  National  Asso- 
ciation of  Stove  Manufacturers,  but  nearly  all  members  belong  to  that 


6o  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

per  cent  of  the  product  of  the  industry  directly  ;^^  and 
through  the  molders'  union  determine  wages  and  prices 
for  the  outsiders.  Piece  prices  are  regulated  by  those  in 
the  competitive  area,  so  that  outside  competitors  can  obtain 
no  advantage  in  wages  over  Association  founders.  In  fact, 
outsiders  try  to  settle  on  the  basis  fixed  by  the  Association 
and  govern  both  their  piece  prices  and  the  prices  of  their 
products  by  those  of  the  Association.^*  In  regard  to  the 
union  and  the  Association  making  piece  prices  for  the  en- 
tire stove  industry  of  the  United  States,  Mr.  Hogan,  when 
Secretary,  testified :  "  Of  course  we  have  nothing  to  do 
with  people  not  in  our  membership,  but  we  decide  for  our 
membership,  and  they  must  pay  it;  they  must  accept  this 
agreement,  which  they  do,  and  that  becomes  the  basis  for  the 
whole  country.  The  molders'  union  takes  care  of  that. 
They  insist  that  everybody  will  be  governed  by  the  agree- 
ment of  the  defense  association."  ^* 

Interrelations. —  The  relations  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  to 
other  associations  are  rather  limited.  It  is  closely  interre- 
lated to  the  National  Association  of  Stove  Manufacturers : 
most  of  its  members  belong  to  the  latter  organization ;  ^^  and 
the  two  organizations  have  had  at  times  a  number  of  officers 
in  common. ^^  With  the  National  Civic  Federation,  the 
Association  has  had  friendly  relations.^'''  But  in  the  past 
decade,  it  has  had  strained  relations  with  the  National 
Founders'  Association.  There  is  bitter  rivalry  between 
these  two  organizations.  The  National  Founders'  Asso- 
ciation charges  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  with  having  forced  its 
members  to  adopt  the  closed  shop  and  with  having  con- 
spired with  the  unions  in  restraint  of  interstate  com- 
merce.^^  *  Some  of  its  members,  also  members  of  the 
National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  have  shown  them- 

Association,  which  does  not  handle  labor  matters."     So  says  President 
Mitchell  in  his  letter  of  Dec.  31.  IQ20. 

*  President    Mitchell    says,   "  It    is   news   to   me    that   the    National 
Founders'  Association  ever  charged  us  with  having  conspired  with  the 


The  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association         6i 

selves  to  be  more  in  sympathy  with  the  latter  organization 
than  with  the  negotiatory  policy  of  the  former  organization. 
Undoubtedly,  one  of  its  members,  James  W.  Van  Cleave, 
attempted  to  make  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  belligerent,  especially 
while  he  was  President  of  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers.**® 

Unions  in  restraint  of  Interstate  Commerce,  and  furthermore,  while 
the  two  Associations  employ  different  methods,  there  is  not  the  bitter 
rivalry  you  state."  [D(3i)'2o  Letter.]  However,  a  reading  of  the 
Reviews  cited  in  the  reference  (58)  seems  to  give  an  impression  of  a 
lack  of  friendliness  between  the  two  associations. 
REFERENCES 
1  See  Orth  in  F  '13  World's  Work  434;  also  Carlton:  History  and 
Problems  of  Organized  Labor,  246-249;  Same,  1920  Ed.,  304-307;  Com- 
mons :  Trade  Unionism  and  Labor  Problems,  Ch.  i ;  Bulletin  No.  62,  U. 
S.  Bureau  of  Labor,  124-196,  (Abv.  Bui  62  U  S  B  L).  2  Manual,  S.  F. 
N.  D.  A.  1920,  pp.  27-28,  (Abv.  Manual)  ;  Industrial  Relations,  Final 
Report  and  Testimony,  U.  S.  Commission  on  Industrial  Relations,  511, 
(Abv.  Ind  Rel).  a  Manual  5.  ■»  Manual  7,  27-28.  »  Ind  Rel  550.  «  Ind 
R^l  518;  Interview.  ''  Manual  6-14.  ^  Manual  14-15.  ^  Manual  5.  ^0  The 
Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association  —  What  It  Is,  What 
It  has  Done,  What  It  Aims  to  Do,  4-5,  (Abv.  What).  "  Manual  7S. 
12  Manual  8.  "  Manual  13-14.  ^*  Interview.  ^^  Ind  Rel  512. 
**  Manual  11;  see  also  Ind  Rel  512.  ^^  Manual  13.  i^  Manual  3. 
1*  Manual  3 ;  What  2 ;  see  also  Industrial  Conciliation,  Report  of  the 
Proceedings  of  the  Conference  .  .  .  National  Civic  Federation,  1901,  p. 
179.  (Abv.  '01  N  C  F)  ;  Ind  Rel  510-511.20 What  5-9.  21  Manual  3. 
22  Mr  (15)  '07  American  Industries  20.  23  Labor  Troubles  —  A  Review 
of  the  Labor  Affairs  of  the  Buck's  Stove  and  Range  Company  and  Its 
Relation  to  the  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association,  June, 
1902,  to  April,  1906.  (Abv.  Labor).  24  i^d  Rel  513.  25  jg  '14 
Review  (N  F  A),  259-260;  Ind  Rel  522-523.  26  My (9) '18  The  Iron 
Age,  1249.  27  Limiting  Federal  Injunctions,  Hearings  before  the 
Committee  on  the  Judiciary,  U.  S.  Senate  on  H  R  23635,  1913,  p.  395, 
(Abv.  '12  S  I  H).  28  Manual  (1912)  29-30.  29  Manual  15-16.  so  Man- 
ual 17,  20-21;  Ind  Rel  511.  ^^  Manual  17-19.  ^2  Manual  15-21.  s3  Man- 
ual 23.  3<  Manual  22.  3^  Manual  25.  se  Manual  22.  st  BuI  62  U  S  B 
L  190.  38  Jnj  Rgi  512-514;  Letters.  39  Conference  .Agreements  between 
the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  and  the  I.  M.  U.  of  N.  A.,  1921,  (Abv.  Conference). 
*°  Conference  2.    *i  Manual  12.    *2  g^l  62  U  S  B  L  189;  Interview. 


62  Employers   Assocuittons  %n  the  United  States 

43My,(i2)'i7  American  Artisan  and  Hardware  Record,  25,  (Abv. 
Record).  "Conference.  «  Bui  62  U  S  B  L  154-155-  "Manual  24- 
25.  *'^D(22)*i7  Record  46.  ^^  Conference  1-13.  ^^  Conference  14-16. 
^°  U.  S.  Industrial  Commission,  Report  on  Relations  and  Conditions  of 
Capital  and  Labor  .  .  .  Vol.  7,  p.  868,  (Abv.  Ind  Com).  ''^  Ind  Com 
7:  864.  52  Ind  Rei  518;  Interview.  =3  Ind  Com  7:  868.  s*  Ind  Com  7: 
866.  55  Ind  Rel  511;  Interview,  ^e  ind  Com  7:  860;  Ind  Rel  511;  My 
(12) '17  Record  25-29.  ^7 '01  N  C  F  176-187.  ss  p  '09  Review  7-^3; 
Mr  '09  Review  5-12;  Au  '09  Review  39;  D  '14  Review  568.  ^a  Labor ; 
see  also  Eight  Hours  for  Laborers  on  Government  Work,  Hearings 
before  the  Committee  on  Education  and  Labor,  U.  S.  Senate,  1902, 
p.  157. 


CHAPTER  III 
THE  NATIONAL  FOUNDERS'  ASSOCIATION 

The  National  Founders'  Association  is  in  the  general 
field  of  the  foundry  industry  —  principally  machinery  man- 
ufacturing and  jobbing  —  while  the  Stove  Founders' 
National  Defense  Association  is  in  the  special  field  of  stove 
manufacturing.  The  former  field  is  highly  competitive,  the 
latter  monopolistic.  Primarily  as  the  result  of  these  con- 
trasting conditions,  the  National  Founders'  Association  is 
"  an  aggressive  open  shop  organization,"  while  the  Stove 
Founders'  National  Defense  Association  is  negotiatory  in 
that  it  deals  directly  with  the  International  Molders'  Union. 

Although  no  noted  student  of  labor  problems  has  re- 
garded the  N.  F.  A.  as  affording  a  solution  of  the  labor 
problem,  as  has  been  the  case  with  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.,  yet 
the  former  has  persisted  and  grown  in  importance  in  the 
foundry  industry,  especially  in  the  past  few  years,  while  the 
latter  has  declined.  The  N.  F.  A.,  although  originally 
modeled  after  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.,  as  a  negotiatory  organiza- 
tion, has  profoundly  influenced  the  latter  organization.  For 
instance,  the  Declaration  of  Principles  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A. 
resembles  the  Outline  of  Policy  of  the  N.  F.  A.  and  was 
adopted  at  a  more  recent  date. 

Membership. —  The  National  Founders'  Association  has 
as  members,*  in  the  territory  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 

*  "  Membership  in  the  National  Founders*  Association  is  purely  vol- 
untary. There  is  no  dictation  to  the  members  as  to  the  policies  they 
shall  pursue ;  they  are  free  to  adopt  such  plans  for  their  employees 
as  in  their  judgment  seem  best.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Association 
most  emphatically  approves  the  open  shop  plan  of  operation.    Its  Out- 

63 


64  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

in  the  United  States  and  Canada,  (September,  192 1)  656  of 
the  largest  foundry  and  manufacturing  institutions  which 
conduct  foundries  in  these  countries.^  In  191 2,  the  total 
capitalization  of  its  members'  establishments  was  stated  to 
be  between  $400,0(X),ooo  and  $500,00x3,000  in  which  plants 
a  total  of  from  400,000  to  500,000  workmen  were  em- 
ployed.^ At  the  present  time,  "  no  statistics  are  available 
showing  the  amount  of  capital  represented,  or  the  total  num- 
ber of  employees,  but  the  average  number  of  skilled  foundry 
mechanics  reported  the  past  few  years  is  between  30,000 
and  35,.ooo."  ^ 

The  N.  F.  A.  is  distinctly  a  unit  organization,  having 
neither  locals  nor  branches.  Its  Constitution  provides  that 
"  There  shall  be  ten  districts  with  a  District  Committee  of 
five  members  in  each."  There  are,  however,  only  eight  dis- 
tricts in  which  it  has  members.  Its  general  office,  located  in 
Chicago,  its  eastern  offices  located  in  New  York  City  and 
Washington,  D.  C,  and  the  President's  office,  located  in  the 
city  where  the  President  .resides  (now  at  Buffalo),  conduct 
practically  all  of  the  business  of  the  Association.* 

Govemnient. —  It  functions  through  an  Administrative 
Council,  a  President,  a  Vice-President,  a  Treasurer,  a  Sec- 
retary, and  a  Commissioner.*  The  Administrative  Council 
is  composed  of  the  President,  the  Vice-President,  and  the 

line  of  Policy  states  clearly  those  principles  which  it  believes  necessary 
for  the  fair  and  successful  conduct  of  a  business  as  regards  both 
employer  and  employee.  If,  in  the  establishment  of  these  principles,  a 
member  seeks  the  aid  of  the  Association,  then  such  aid  is  given  in  a 
practical  and  scientific  manner."     [D(is)'2o  Letter.] 

*  Although  the  real  executive  officer  in  labor  troubles  is  the  Commis- 
sioner, Ex-President  Briggs,  now  retired,  was  formerly  the  dominating 
figure  in  the  Association.  Contrary  to  the  usual  policy  of  associations, 
he  was  paid  a  large  salary,  but,  unlike  most  of  the  presidents  of  other 
associations,  he  has  had  a  long  experience  in  combating  strikes,  having 
been  for  a  period  of  years  the  Commissioner  of  the  Association,  and 
his  retention  as  President,  in  reality  gave  the  Association  two  highly 
successful  and  experienced  commissioners.  [On  this  point,  see  Decem- 
ber Reviews,  1908-1916.] 


The  National  Founders'  Association  6$ 

chairmen  and  vice-chairmen  of  the  different  districts. 
With  the  exception  of  the  Commissioner,  all  the  officers,  in- 
cluding the  district  committee  members,  are  elected  at  the 
annual  meetings  of  the  Association  in  November,  and  on  a 
voting  basis  of  one  vote  for  each  $ioo  paid  by  the  member 
in  assessments.  The  Commissioner  is  appointed  by  the 
President  with  the  approval  of  the  Administrative  Council. 
The  Council  has  charge  of  all  matters  relating  to  the  preven- 
tion and  settlement  of  labor  difficulties.  It  makes  assess- 
ments, and  has  power  to  appoint  committees  from  its  own 
number  and  to  delegate  to  such  committees  all  necessary 
powers.  In  fact,  it  is  invested  with  the  powers  and  duties 
of  governing  the  Association  between  annual  meetings.^ 
Obligation  of  Members. —  The  Constitution  provides 
that  "  All  members  of  this  Association  shall  make,  execute 
and  acknowledge  in  writing  an  agreement,  or  obligation, 
in  words  and  manner  following,  to-wit : 

"  We,  the  undersigned,  being  foundry  operators,  do  hereby 
covenant  and  agree  to  and  with  each  other,  and  every  person 
composing  the  membership  of  The  National  Founders*  As- 
sociation as  follows : 

"  1st.  In  consideration  of  fair  dealing  being  a  cardinal 
principle  of  this  Association,  we  pledge  ourselves  to  protect 
any  of  our  fellow  members  who  may  require  our  support 
against  any  unjust  demands  of  labor  organizations  and  to 
endeavor  to  settle  all  disputes  amicably. 

"  2nd.  We  bind  ourselves  to  obey  the  Constitution  and  By- 
Laws  and  all  rules  made  in  conformity  with  the  same,  pro- 
vided they  do  not  conflict  with  the  laws  of  the  Country,  State 
or  Province  in  which  we  do  business."  ® 

Dues  and  Funds. —  The  By-Laws  require  that  "  On 
admission,  new  members  shall  pay  to  the  Reserve  Fund 
such  sum  in  proportion  to  the  unexpended  balance  of  the 
fund,  as  the  number  of  molders,  molding  machine  operators 
and  coremakers  they  employ  bears  to  the  total  number 
employed  by  all  members,  according  to  the  average  of  the 


66  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

two  quarterly  reports  last  preceding,  and  such  additional 
fixed  amount  as  the  Administrative  Council  may  from  time 
to  time  determine."  ^ 

"In  191 1,  by  resolution,  the  Administrative  Council  sub- 
stituted for  this  reserve  fund  payment  an  arbitrary  initiation 
fee  as  follows:  'For  each  floor  molder,  $2.50;  for  each 
bench  molder  and  coremaker,  $1,873^  ;  for  each  apprentice, 
molding  machine  operator  or  specialty  molder  not  skilled  in 
the  general  trade,  $1.25.'  "  ^ 

For  the  support  of  the  Association,  members  are  assessed 
in  accordance  with  the  number  of  molders,  coremakers,  and 
apprentices  employed.  The  schedule  is:  For  journeymen 
floor  molders,  monthly  60^  a  man;  for  journeymen  bench 
molders  and  journeymen  coremakers,  monthly  50^  a  man; 
and  for  molders'  apprentices,  specialty  molders  not  skilled  in 
the  general  trade  of  molding,  molding  machine  operators, 
unskilled  coremakers  and  coremakers'  apprentices,  monthly 
40^  an  employee.  The  minimum  quarterly  assessment  is 
S25  for  any  one  plant,  or  $100  a  year.® 

Its  Objects  are  set  forth  in  its  Constitution  as  follows: 

"  1st.  The  adoption  of  a  uniform  basis  for  just  and 
equitable  dealings  between  the  members  and  their  employees, 
whereby  the  interests  of  both  will  be  properly  protected. 

"  2nd.  The  investigation  and  adjustment,  by  the  proper 
officers  of  the  Association,  of  any  question  arising  between 
members  and  their  employees."  ^* 

Or,  as  njore  recently  stated : 

"  The  object  of  this  Association  is  to  maintain  such  har- 
monious relations  between  workmen  and  employers,  especially 
in  foundries,  as  will  enable  the  employing  companies  to  pay 
reasonable  wages  and  to  provide  reasonably  steady  work,  and 
at  the  same  time,  provide  dividends  on  the  capital  invested."  ^^ 

Evolution. — "  While  the  Association  stands  for  the 
open  shop  and  enters  into  no  union  agreements,  it  was  at 
first  a  negotiatory  organization  formed  specifically  for  deal- 


The  National  Founders'  Association  67 

ing  with  the  Iron  Holders'  Union.  Prior  to  1898,  the 
machinery  and  jobbing  foundries  had  been  continually  in- 
volved in  labor  difficulties."^^  "  Unreasonable  demands  that 
could  not  be  conceded  by  foundrymen  were  of  such  fre- 
quency that  an  organization  was  absolutely  necessary."  ^' 
So  bad  was  the  situation,  it  is  said,  that  a  trade-union  of- 
ficial suggested  to  the  machinery  foundrymen  that  they 
should  organize  in  order  to  lessen  the  troubles. ^^ 

According  to  Mr.  Frank,  one  of  its  early  presidents,  the 
Association  was  formed  under  conditions,  in  brief,  as  fol- 
lows :  The  machinery  foundrymen  had  come  to  realize  that 
they  were  isolated  and  struggling  alone,  each  endeavoring 
to  adjust  his  difficulties  as  best  he  could,  sometimes  meeting 
with  success,  sometimes  with  failure,  with  strikes  the  order 
of  the  day.  At  a  meeting  of  a  local  foundrymen's  associa- 
tion in  Detroit,  Mr.  Martin  Fox  addressed  the  founders  on 
the  need  of  a  national  organization  of  machinery  foundry- 
men  in  order  that  trade  agreements  might  be  drawn  up  on 
a  national  scale  and  better  enforced.  The  Stove  Founders' 
National  Defense  Association  was  cited  as  having  a  satisfac- 
tory working  arrangement  on  a  national  scale,  in  fact,  it  was 
held  forth  as  a  model  organization  by  which  strikes  had 
been  prevented  and  the  industry  had  obtained  peace.  Mr. 
William  H.  Pfahler,  of  the  Abram  Cox  Stove  Company  of 
Philadelphia,  and  one  of  the  leaders  of  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A., 
also  spoke  very  favorably  of  that  arrangement,  and  urged 
the  machinery  foundrymen  to  organize  and  negotiate  a  sim- 
ilar agreement.  Mr.  Pfahler  had  a  large  acquaintance 
among  the  machinery  foundrymen.  Acting  on  his  sugges- 
tion, a  limited  number  of  the  foundrymen  met  to  con- 
sider the  situation. ^^  They  "  appointed  a  committee  of 
three  who,  with  Mr.  Pfahler's  assistance  were  to  formulate 
a  plan  for  a  defense  association,  whereby  the  foundry  could 
be  put  on  a  progressive  basis  without  the  annoyance,  incon- 
venience and  expense  caused  by  labor  difficulties."^* 


68  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

So  on  January  26,  1898,  a  few  foundrymen  met  in  New 
York  and  organized  the  National  Founders'  Association. 
The  Association,  therefore,  was  not  formed  for  the  purpose 
of  opposing  the  union,  but  "  with  the  distinct  understanding 
and  the  knowledge  that  a  labor  organization  existed,  had  a 
right  to  exist;  that  men  had  a  right  to  join  each  other  for 
their  mutual  benefits,"  and  that  this  right  should  be  recog- 
nized.^^ It  was  in  accordance  with  this  principle  that  the 
New  York  Agreement  was  formulated  by  committees  of 
the  Iron  Molders'  Union  and  the  Association,  and  officially 
adopted  by  both  organizations.  It  was  adopted  with  the 
purpose  of  settling  pending  troubles  and  promoting  peace 
and  harmony  between  the  molder  and  the  foundryman.  It 
provided  for  conferences  and  negotiation,  and  prohibited  a 
cessation  of  work  by  either  side  to  a  controversy  until  the 
matter  in  dispute  could  be  considered  fully.  ^^ 

The  New  York  Agreement  reads  as  follows : 

"New  York  Agreement  in  Force  and  Ruling  Between  the 
Iron  Molders'  Union  of  North  America  and  the  National 
Founders'  Association. 

"  Conference  1899.  Whereas,  The  past  experience  of  the 
members  of  the  National  Founders'  Association  and  the  Iron 
Molders'  Union  of  North  America,  justifies  them  in  the  opinion 
that  any  arrangement  entered  into  that  will  conduce  to  the 
greater  harmony  of  their  relations  as  employers  and  employees, 
will  be  to  their  mutual  advantage ;  therefore  be  it 

''  Resolved,  That  this  Committee  of  Conference  endorse  the 
principle  of  arbitration  in  the  settlement  of  trade  disputes, 
and  recommend  the  same  for  adoption  by  the  members  of  the 
National  Founders'  Association  and  the  Iron  Molders'  Union 
of  North  America,  on  the  following  lines: 

"  That  in  the  event  of  a  dispute  arising  between  members 
of  the  respective  organizations,  a  reasonable  effort  shall  be 
made  by  the  parties  directly  at  interest  to  effect  a  satisfactory 
adjustment  of  the  difficulty;  failing  to  do  which,  either  party 
shall  have  the  right  to  ask  its  reference  to  a  Committee  of 
Arbitration  which  shall  consist  of  the  Presidents  of  the  Na- 


The  National  Founders'  Association  69 

tional  Founders'  Association  and  the  Iron  Molders'  Union 
of  North  America,  or  their  representatives  and  two  other  rep- 
resentatives from  each  Association  appointed  by  the  respective 
Presidents. 

"  The  findings  of  this  Committee  of  Arbitration,  by  a 
majority  vote,  shall  be  considered  final  in  so  far  as  the  future 
action  of  the  respective  organizations  is  concerned. 

"  Pending  adjudication  by  the  Committee  on  Arbitration 
there  shall  be  no  cessation  of  work  at  the  instance  of  either 
party  to  the  dispute. 

"  The  Committee  of  Arbitration  shall  meet  within  two  weeks 
after  reference  of  the  dispute  to  them."  ^^ 

Break-Down  of  the  New  York  Agreement. —  At  first, 
much  was  expected  from  the  New  York  Agreement  by  both 
sides.  ^^  It  operated,  however,  only  with  increasing  friction 
during  the  time  it  was  in  force.  Its  continued  violation 
by  the  union  members  led  to  the  adoption  by  the  Associa- 
tion of  its  present  Outline  of  Policy,  and  finally  resulted  in 
the  abrogation  by  the  Association  of  the  Agreement  in 
November,  1904.^*  In  the  course  of  its  operation,  matters 
became  so  complicated  that  each  side  began  to  mistrust  the 
other.  To  an  outsider,  the  issues  seem  to  have  become  badly 
confused.  The  Association  claims,  with  apparently  sound 
reasoning,  that  the  refusal  of  the  Union  to  arbitrate  the 
questions  which  could  not  be  settled  by  conferences  and  ne- 
gotiation, caused  the  break-down  of  the  Agreement.  The 
Union  contends  that  the  Association  was  attempting  to  force 
the  piece-price  system  upon  the  molders  in  the  place  of  day 
wages. ^®  The  points  at  issue  are  embodied  in  the  Outline 
of  Policy,  and  a  glance  at  that  will  show  that  the  issues  were 
many.  The  following  excellent  statement  of  the  causes  of 
the  break-down  of  the  Agreement  has  been  given  by  an 
Association  official;  among  which  causes  should  be  noted 
that  the  Agreement  failed  to  provide  a  method  of  breaking 
a  deadlock  in  the  negotiations : 

"  It  will  be  noted,  however,  that  in  all  disputes  the  adjust- 


yo  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ment  committee  to  be  appointed  was  to  be  composed  of  an 
equal  number  of  members  appointed  by  each  organization, 
with  no  provision  for  an  impartial  arbitrator,  and  this  proved 
to  be  the  stumbling  block  in  the  settlement  of  the  disputes 
which  followed.  In  all  disputes  that  assumed  any  major  im- 
portance, the  conferences  resulted  in  a  deadlock.  Finally  in 
November,  1904,  following  a  strike  at  Utica,  N.  Y.,  the  Na- 
tional Founders'  Association  served  notice  on  the  Iron  Holders' 
Union  that  the  agreement  was  to  be  abrogated. 

"  The  issues  which  resulted  in  the  abrogation  of  the  agree- 
ment, as  was  to  be  expected,  were  somewhat  confused.  The 
Association  claimed  that  the  refusal  of  the  union  to  arbitrate 
the  questions,  which  could  not  be  settled  by  negotiation  caused 
the  disruption.  The  Association  also  quoted  a  large  number 
of  cases  where  the  agreement  had  been  violated  by  the  differ- 
ent local  unions  and  the  national  union  had  made  no  attempt 
to  discipline  the  offending  members. 

"  Some  of  the  cases  were  trivial.  In  nearly  all  of  them  the 
national  officers  of  the  union  did  apparently  make  a  sincere 
attempt  to  induce  the  men  to  return  to  work  pending  confer- 
ence, and  the  return  in  many  instances  was  actually  accom- 
plished. Where,  however,  the  local  body  was  strong  enough 
numerically  or  financially  to  defy  the  national  union,  trouble 
resulted.  A  particular  case  cited  by  the  Association  was  a 
strike  in  Chicago  in  1901,  where  the  Chicago  molders  re- 
pudiated an  agreement  and  went  on  strike.  A  year  later, 
while  the  strike  was  still  in  progress,  the  national  convention  of 
the  Iron  Holders'  Union  at  Toronto  allowed  a  bill  for  $5,000, 
presented  by  the  Chicago  local  for  strike  expenses  in  consid- 
eration that  the  strike  should  be  called  off. 

"  There  were  many  other  issues  that  contributed  to  the 
abrogation  of  the  agreement.  As  early  as  1900,  the  Associa- 
tion had  adopted  resolutions  at  Detroit  which,  while  reaffirm- 
ing its  beHef  in  the  good  to  be  accomplished  by  the  New  York 
Agreement,  embodied  open  shop  principles  as  to  methods  of 
wage  payments  and  the  control  of  the  molding  machine  and 
had  endeavored  ever  since  that  date  to  arrive  at  a  working 
agreement  with  the  union  which  would  provide  for  eliminating 
certain  union  restrictions.     The  points  at  issue  are  all  embodied 


The  National  Founders*  Association  71 

in  the  Outline  of  Policy  which  was  formulated  before  the 
final  break."  2« 

Time  and  time  again,  the  Association  has  stated  that  it  has 
given  the  theory  of  collective  bargaining  a  fair  trial.  "  To 
this  end,  seven  years  of  energetic,  painstaking,  able  and  con- 
scientious work  were  devoted  by  the  most  representative 
class  of  employers  of  foundry  labor  in  the  United  States 
and  Canada.  Over  2,500  conferences  were  held  between 
the  molders'  union  and  its  representatives  and  the  National 
Founders'  Association  and  its  representatives.  An  expe- 
rience covering  seven  years'  work  for  this  purpose  proved 
conclusively  that  the  union  of  iron  molders  did  not  at  any 
time  propose  to  recede  an  iota  from  its  determination  to 
enforce  its  strictly  closed-shop  constitution  and  by-laws  "  ^^ 
— "  rules  and  regulations  which  it  had  adopted  for  its  guid- 
ance ^s  far  back  as  1858.  The  failure  of  the  union  to  ap- 
preciate the  progressiveness  of  the  age  necessitated  the 
adoption  by  the  N.  F.  A.  of  an  entirely  independent  pol- 
icy." 2^  Undoubtedly  the  succession  of  Mr.  Joseph  Valen- 
tine to  Mr.  Martin  Fox  as  president  of  the  union  had  much 
to  do  with  the  change  in  policy,  for  Mr.  Fox  was  always 
esteemed  highly  by  leaders  of  the  Association,  while  Mr. 
Valentine  has  been  regarded  as  socialistic.^*  That  the  As- 
sociation is  entirely  satisfied  with  its  open-shop  policy  is 
evident  from  an  official  reaffirmation  of  that  "  Policy " 
after  a  ten-year  period  of  operation  under  it,^*  and  from  the 
fact  that  it  has  consistently  governed  its  conduct  in  accord 
with  that  policy  for  over  sixteen  years. 

The  "  Outline  of  Policy  "  is  as  follows : 

"Limitation  of  Output.  Arbitrary  limitations  of  output  on 
the  part  of  the  molders  or  arbitrary  demands  for  an  exces- 
sive amount  of  output  by  the  molders  on  the  part  of  the 
foundrymen,  being  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  equity  which  should 
govern  the  relationship  of  employer  and  employee,  all  attempts 
in  that  direction  by  either  party  —  the  molders  or  foundrymen 
—  are  to  be  viewed  with  disfavor  and  will  not  receive  the  sanc- 
tion of  this  Association. 


'j'2  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  Limitation  of  Man's  Earning  Capacity.  Inasmuch  as  cer- 
tain practices  insisted  upon  by  labor  organizations  tend  toward 
counteracting  the  energy,  abiHty,  incUnations  and  opportunity 
of  molders  to  earn  greater  compensation  than  they  are  now 
receiving,  it  shall  continue  to  be  the  policy  of  the  Association 
not  to  permit  the  limitation  of  a  man's  earning  capacity 
whether  he  is  working  by  the  day,  by  the  piece  or  premium 
system,  thus  protecting  our  workmen  in  a  desire  to  improve 
their  condition. 

"  Fines  and  Restrictions.  Believing  the  action  of  labor  or- 
ganizations in  inflicting  upon  their  members  fines  and  punish- 
ments for  accepting  opportunities  of  advancement  and  in- 
creased earnings  ofifered  by  the  foundrymen,  is  a  practice  tend- 
ing toward  a  deterioration  of  the  ability  of  the  individual 
workmen  this  Association  hereby  reaffirms  its  determination  to 
prevent  the  imposition  of  fines  and  restrictions  placed  on  a 
molder  for  the  purpose  of  handicapping  him  or  retarding  him 
in  any  way  from  putting  forth  his  best  efforts  to  produce  the 
best  quality  and  quantity  of  work  in  the  shortest  time  and  re- 
ceiving a  proportionate  compensation. 

"Methods  of  Employment.  Employees  will  be  paid  by  the 
hourly  rate,  by  premium  system,  piece  work  or  contract,  as 
the  employers  may  elect,  and  the  workmen  so  employed  will  be 
required  to  give  a  fair  day's  work  for  a  fair  day's  pay. 

"Freedom  of  Employment.  It  is  the  privilege  of  the  em- 
ployee to  leave  our  employ  whenever  he  sees  fit,  and  it  is  the 
privilege  of  the  employer  to  discharge  any  workman  when  he 
sees  fit. 

"  Relations  of  Employees.  Every  workman  who  elects  to 
work  in  a  foundry  of  a  member  of  this  Association  will  be  re- 
quired to  work  peacefully  and  harmoniously  with  his  fellow 
employees,  and  to  such  workmen  the  freedom  of  employment 
shall  not  be  denied. 

"Apprentices.  The  number  of  apprentices,  helpers  and 
handy  men  to  be  employed  will  be  determined  solely  by  the 
requirements  of  the  employer. 

"Appliances.  It  shall  be  the  right  of  the  foundryman  to 
introduce  molding  machines  and  appliances  of  any  kind,  and 
to  have  the  same  operated  by  whomsoever  he  finds  to  his  best 
advantage  to  employ  thereon. 


The  National  Founders'  Association  y^ 

"Strikes  and  Lockouts.  Disapproving  absolutely  of  strikes 
and  lockouts,  the  members  of  this  Association  will  not  arbi- 
trate any  question  with  men  on  strike.  Neither  will  this  Asso- 
ciation countenance  a  lockout  on  any  arbitrable  question  unless 
arbitration  has  failed. 

"  Arbitration.  The  above  principles  being  absolutely  essen- 
tial to  the  successful  conduct  of  our  business,  they  are  not 
subject  to  arbitration. 

"  In  case  of  disagreement  concerning  matters  not  covered  by 
the  foregoing  announcement  we  advise  our  members  to  meet 
their  employees  either  individually  or  collectively  and  endeavor 
to  adjust  the  difficulty  on  a  fair  and  equitable  basis. 

"Method  of  Arbitration.  In  case  of  inability  to  reach  a 
satisfactory  adjustment  we  recommend  that  the  question  be 
submitted  to  a  Board  of  Arbitration  consisting  of  two  of  the 
employees  and  two  persons  engaged  in  the  management  of  the 
firm  or  corporation  involved,  and  in  case  they  fail  to  reach  a 
satisfactory  agreement  within  seven  working  days  a  fifth  mem- 
ber shall  be  chosen  by  these  four  and  the  majority  report  of  the 
Board  so  constituted  shall  be  final  and  binding. 

"  In  order  to  receive  the  benefits  of  arbitration  the  employee 
or  employees  must  continue  in  the  service  and  under  the  orders 
of  the  employer  pending  a  conference  and  decision. 

"  In  case  any  member  refuses  to  comply  with  this  recom- 
mendation within  thirty  days  after  the  dispute  arises  he  shall 
be  denied  the  support  of  this  Association  unless  it  shall 
approve  the  action  of  said  member. 

"  Wages.  Employers  shall  be  free  to  employ  foundry  op- 
eratives at  such  wages  as  may  be  mutually  agreed  upon,  said 
rates  to  be  governed  by  local  or  shop  conditions. 

"  In  the  operation  of  piece  work,  premium  plan  or  contract 
system  now  in  force  or  to  be  extended  or  established  in  the 
future,  this  Association  will  not  countenance  any  conditions  of 
wages  which  are  not  just  or  which  will  not  allow  a  workman 
of  average  efficiency  to  earn  at  least  a  fair  wage."  ^' 

Methods  and  Activities;  Procedure  in  Labor  Diffi- 
culties.—  Members  are  required  to  notify  the  Commissioner 
promptly  of  any  trouble  that  arises  between  them  and  their 


74  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

employees.  In  case  of  a  difficulty  between  a  member  and  his 
employees,  he  must  notify  immediately  the  Commissioner  in 
writing,  giving  full  details  of  the  case,  arid  the  Commis- 
sioner, or  his  representative,  must  attempt  to  make  an  ad- 
justment of  the  case  as  soon  as  possible,  "  By  asking  the 
aid  of  the  Association  the  member  places  the  matter  in  its 
charge  and  binds  himself  to  carry  out  any  decision  made  by 
the  Administrative  Council  or  those  acting  under  its  au- 
thority and  pending  the  decision  of  the  matter,  he  must  not 
make  any  settlement  or  discharge  the  workmen,  without  the 
consent  of  the  Administrative  Council."  ^® 

Combating  Strikes ;  Methods  and  Activities. —  Should 
all  efforts  to  adjust  the  difficulty  fail  and  a  strike  occur,  the 
Association  usually  secures  workmen  to  operate  the  struck 
shop.  However,  three  distinct  methods  of  relief  are  pro- 
vided for  in  the  Constitution.     They  are : 

"  I  St.  By  procuring  workmen  for  him  to  the  extent  of  70 
per  cent  of  the  average  number  he  employed,  according  to  the 
last  two  quarterly  reports  preceding  the  strike. 

"  2nd.  By  having  the  work  done  for  him  elsewhere,  to  the 
extent  of  70  per  cent  of  the  amount  produced  at  the  time  of 
the  last  quarterly  report. 

"  3rd.  By  giving  him.  compensation  in  money,  the  amount 
to  be  fixed,  varied  and  terminated  at  the  will  of  the  Adminis- 
trative Council,  and  in  no  case  to  exceed  $2.00  per  man  per 
day  to  the  extent  of  70  per  cent  of  the  average  number  he 
employed,  according  to  the  last  two  quarterly  reports;  pro- 
vided, however,  that  the  first  and  second  of  these  methods 
shall  not  be  employed  without  the  consent  of  the  member."  " 

The  ordinary  method  of  operation  has  been  to  employ  a 
few  good  molders  at  the  struck  plant,^®  to  fill  the  balance  of 
the  floors  with  green  men  recruited  from  the  locality  in 
which  the  shop  is  located,^  and  to  have  an  instructor  teach 
them  molding.  ^°  The  Association  keeps  regularly  in  its 
employ  under  yearly  contract  a  limited  number  of  high-grade 
molders  and  coremakers,^*  who  work  in  normal  times  in  the 


The  National  Founders'  Association  75 

shops  of  some  of  the  members,  but  in  case  of  a  strike  are 
ready  to  go  v/here  the  Association  directs  and  to  instruct  the 
green  hands  how  to  do  special  kinds  of  molding.^^  Mold- 
ing machines  are  also  installed  and  operated  by  relatively 
unskilled  men,  who  are  taken  from  other  jobs  in  the  shop, 
or  secured  through  the  Association's  labor  bureaus.^*  This 
system  was  inaugurated  in  1904,^"*  and  has  proven  to  be  a 
highly  effective  method  of  combating  strikes.^^  It  proved 
successful  in  the  wide  campaign  of  the  union  against  the 
Association  in  1906,  and  enabled  the  Association  to  combat 
strikes  in  35  towns  where  3,251  molders  struck  in  1919.^^ 
This  system  makes  it  wholly  unnecessary  for  the  struck  em- 
ployer ever  to  employ  any  of  the  strikers ;  in  fact,  the  usual 
procedure  is  for  the  employer  to  ^refuse  to  have  any  more 
dealings  whatever  with  the  more  radical  men  who  strike  his 
shop.  This  action  contributes  much  to  the  prevention  of 
another  strike  soon,  as  the  shop  is  thus  "  cleaned  "  of  union 
men.  Moreover,  the  employer  is  required  by  his  contract 
with  the  Association  to  maintain  an  open  shop  for  one 
year  after  conditions  become  normal  in  his  shop  following 
a  strike.''^ 

The  Association  engages  in  various  other  strike  activities, 
particularly  in  a  violent  strike.  The  character  of  the 
molder's  work  is  such  that  he  is  generally  physically  strong 
and  does  not  hesitate  to  engage  in  a  personal  conflict  with 
those  he  designates  as  "  scabs."  Moreover,  professional 
sluggers  among  closed-shop  unions  are  by  no  means  rare. 
In  order  to  protect  the  men  who  desire  to  remain  at  work 
in  the  struck  shop  against  brutal  assaults  when  violence  is 
piacticed  by  the  strikers,  the  Association  has  found  it  neces- 
sary to  take  measures  to  offset  such  unlawful  activities. 
Police  protection  is  usually  obtained  on  request  or  by  re- 
peated efforts  and  pressure,*^  but  in  especially  violent  strikes, 
the  Association  is  constrained  to  employ  guards  to  protect 
the  shop  and  non-union  men  who  work  therein,  both  at  the 


76  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

shop  and  on  their  way  to  and  from  the  shop.  For  this 
guard  service,  the  Association  tries  to  get  men  in  the  local- 
ity of  the  struck  shop  to  serve,  but  if  this  fails,  guards  are 
imported.  Injunctions  have  also  been  issued  in  such  cases, 
having  been  obtained  on  advice  of  the  Association  leaders, 
or  through  the  counsel  of  the  Association.*®  In  the  more 
violent  cases,  the  Association  has  found  it  necessary  to  pay 
large  bonuses  to  nonunion  molders,^^  and  to  have  the  firm 
furnish  meals  and  sleeping  quarters  in  the  plant  for  the 
workmen.  Every  point  must  be  watched  then,  as  the  men 
within  the  plant  are  prone  to  become  nervous,  notably  when 
attempts  are  made  to  bribe  the  cook  to  drug  or  poison  the 
food;  and  such  watchfulness  is  very  expensive.^^ 

The  strike-breaking  record  of  the  N.  F.  A.  in  the  past 
few  years,  shows  great  variations.  In  November,  191 6, 
the  N.  F.  A.  was  combating  strikes  in  the  shops  of  29  mem- 
bers, from  which  1,231  molders  and  coremakers  were  on 
strike.  During  the  year  19 17  the  Association  gave  sup- 
port to  ID  of  these  shops,  and  also  combated  strikes  for  13 
other  members  located  in  12  towns,  with  572  molders  and 
coremakers  on  strike.  In  November,  19 17,  the  N.  F.  A. 
was  combating  strikes  for  17  members  in  12  towns,  from 
whose  shops  954  molders  and  coremakers  were  on  strike. 
During  the  year  19 18,  the  Association  combated  strikes  for 
13  members  in  9  towns,  from  whose  shops  342  molders  and 
coremakers  were  on  strike;  and  in  November,  19 18,  strikes 
were  on  in  the  shops  of  only  8  members  with  351  molders 
and  coremakers  on  strike,  but  during  the  year  19 19,  it  was 
combating  strikes  for  "  67  additional  members  located  in 
35  towns,  from  which  3,251  molders  and  coremakers  went 
on  strike."  At  one  time  in  the  latter  part  of  1920,  "  the 
Association  was  assisting  in  combating  strikes  in  the  shops 
of  46  members,  located  in  25  towns,  from  which  1788  mold- 
ers were  on  strike.  During  the  year  the  Administrative 
Council  authorized  that  support  be  given  to  28  additional 
members,  located  in  2^  towns  from  which   1391  molders 


The  National  Founders'  Association  y^ 

were  on  strike,  making  a  total  of  74  shops  given  aid  this 
year.  Of  the  above  number,  54  shops  are  on  a  normal  basis, 
and  20  shops  are  being  given  a  limited  assistance."  "  Be- 
tween Nov.  I,  1920  and  Sept.  i,  1921, 9  members  have  asked 
for  support,  in  which  440  men  were  involved."*^ 

For  the  purpose  of  being  better  able  to  combat  strikes, 
the  Association  moved  its  main  office  to  Chicago,  and  the 
Commissioner  and  Secretary  are  now  at  the  same  office. 
This  move  was  made  because,  "  A  few  years  after  the 
Association  was  organized,  ...  it  developed  that  Chicago 
was  a  more  resourceful  place  to  secure  men  than  Detroit. "^^ 
The  Association  was  compelled  to  open  and  maintain  an  of- 
fice in  Chicago  on  accoimt  of  this  condition,^^  and  the  estab- 
lishment later  of  the  main  office  there  was  simply  a  matter  of 
efficiency. 

Members  are  kept  informed  of  the  situation  in  strikes, 
when  such  threaten  to  concern  them,^^  Information  and 
advice  are  supplied  by  letters  from  time  to  time  and  by  the 
Open  Shop  Review. 

In  order  to  prevent  desertions  by  the  nonunion  men  in 
the  struck  shop  when  these  are  told  by  the  union  leaders 
that  the  shop  will  be  unionized  and  all  "  scabs  "  discharged, 
notices  similar  to  the  following  have  been  posted  in  the 
shop: 

"  NOTICE.  This  foundry  will  be  operated  hereafter 
strictly  as  an  '  OPEN  SHOP.'  Competent  molders  will  re- 
ceive fair  treatment,  good  wages  and  steady  employment,  based 
wholly  on  merit  and  efficiency. 

"  No  *  shop  committee  '  will  be  allowed  to  dominate  our  fac- 
tory; no  restriction  of  output  will  be  tolerated. 

"  Worthy  boys  who  desire  to  apprentice  themselves  to  the 
molders'  trade,  without  union  restrictions,  will  be  encouraged. 

"  If  any  of  our  desirable  former  employees,  who  left  our 
employ  at  the  time  of  the  strike,  ...  on  our  refusal  to 
sign  a  '  closed  shop  agreement '  desire  to  return  to  work, 
they  can  do  so  on  the  above  conditions  and  no  other. 

"  We  make  this  statement  public  and  emphatic  so  that  any 


78  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

of  our  loyal  molders,  with  whom  we  have  no  dispute,  will 
know  exactly  what  to  expect  if  they  care  to  return  to  work."  *' 

In  order  that  the  nonunion  men  may  at  no  time  in  the 
strike  have  any  grounds  for  fearing  that  they  will  later  be 
replaced  with  union  men,  the  foundrymen  have  refused  to 
hold  conferences  with  the  union  officials,  and  have  insisted 
upon  treating  with  their  employees  as  individuals.^® 

Preventing  Strikes. —  As  a  means  to  prevent  strikes,  the 
Association  has  advised  employers  to  discuss  the  case  with 
their  employees  as  individuals,^®  and  has  repeatedly  urged 
arbitration  in  some  threatened  strikes. ^"^  Strike  preven- 
tion is  thus  effected  by  the  Association's  advice  to  the  em- 
ployer how  to  conduct  himself  when  trouble  is  threatened. 
The  member  receives  this  advice  from  the  leaders  person- 
ally, by  letters  and  by  circulars.  For  instance,  so  often  has 
the  member  been  instructed  to  negotiate  first,  that  the  phrase 
seems  to  have  become  a  motto  of  the  Association.  The  in- 
struction reads :  "  Negotiate  first.  Every  time  you  grant 
a  union  representative  a  hearing  during  a  strike,  you  pro- 
long the  struggle.  When  the  union  men  leave  your  employ, 
they  forfeit  every  possible  right  of  representation  by  their 
order,  and  the  proprietor  who  continues  to  negotiate  with 
these  officials  during  a  strike  will  never  win  a  complete  vic- 
tory. Do  all  your  negotiating,  trading,  compromising,  sac- 
rificing and  dickering  before  you  allow  a  strike  to  occur; 
after  it  has  occurred,  and  you  have  made  up  your  mind  to 
defend  yourself,  cut  off  all  negotiations  and  accept  nothing 
but  unconditional  surrender."  ** 

The  Association,  in  order  to  prevent  strikes  in  the  shops 
of  its  regular  -members,  may  combat  a  strike  for  a  proba- 
tionary member,  and  thus  defeat  a  union  campaign  in  the 
beginning.  A  probationary  member  must  pay  all  the  ex- 
penses of  combating  such  a  strike ;  to  receive  financial  bene- 
fits in  the  case  of  a  labor  difficulty,  an  employer  must  have 
been  a  regular  member  for  at  least  two  months.     No  em- 


The  National  Founders'  Association  79 

ployer  engaged  in  resisting  a  strike  is  eligible  to  become  a 
regular  member,  but  he  may  become  a  probationary  niember 
on  paying  regular  admission  fees  and  assessments.^® 

As  union  leaders  carry  on  more  or  less  continuously  an 
extended  agitation  both  openly  and  covertly  to  stir  up 
trouble  in  the  open  shops,  and  do  not  successfully  restrain 
the  members  and  supporters  of  the  union  from  the  practice 
of  violence  upon  nonunion  men,  the  Association  has  found 
that  it  can  meet  the  situation  only  by  means  of  an  "  intelli- 
gence corps  "  to  supplement  the  reports  received  from  its 
friends  among  the  workers,  both  union  and  nonunion.  Es- 
pecially is  this  corps  needed  to  prevent  clandestine  and  in- 
sidious agitation  to  stir  up  great  trouble  in  the  shops  of  the 
Association  members.  This  corps  enables  the  Association 
officers  to  know  at  all  times  the  conditions  in  the  shops  of 
members.  Through  it,  the  most  cautious  agitator  and 
trouble-maker  may  be  quickly  detected  and  removed  from 
the  shop ;  and  thus  strikes  may  be  prevented.  An  "  intelli- 
gence man  "  may  report  an  impending  strike  to  the  officers 
of  the  Association  °°  a  long  time  before  the  proprietor  can 
or  does,  and  during  such  times,  the  operative  frequently 
communicates  with  the  office  of  the  Association  by  long- 
distance telephone  as  to  any  change  in  conditions.  As  these 
"  intelligence  men  "  are  to  be  found  in  the  ranks  of  the 
molders'  union,  and  are  in  "  good  standing  "  there,  practi- 
cally every  move  of  the  union  or  proposed  scheme  is 
reported  shortly  to  the  leaders  of  the  Association.'^  The 
"  intelligence  corps  "  serves  no  less  useful  function  to  the 
Association  in  a  strike,  for  it  then  keeps  the  Commissioner 
or  his  assistant  informed  of  the  proposed  activities  of  the 
union,  and  aids  in  the  detection  and  conviction  of  unionists 
who  commit  unlawful  acts.  Likewise  it  contributes  evidence 
for  a  bill  of  complaint  upon  which  an  injunction  may  be 
applied  for  and  issued,  as  well  as  giving  evidence  in  con- 
tempt cases  of  the  violation  of  the  court's  order  by  those 


8o  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

enjoined.'*^  ^j.  Briggs,  while  President,  testified  to  the 
effectiveness  of  the  secret  service  by  saying,  "  /  regard  this 
as  one  of  the  very  best  investments  the  Association  makes. 
Without  it,  I  would  hardly  know  hozv  to  direct  the  work 
of  the  Association.  It  seems  to  be  an  indispensable  requisite 
to  good  results."  ^^ 

Keeping  Agitator  Out  of  Shop. —  The  Association  tries 
to  prevent  strikes  by  the  eUmination  of  the  agitator  and  pro- 
fessional trouble-maker  from  the  shops  of  the  members  and 
by  the  removal  of  other  conditions  that  favor  agitation. 
Repeated  warnings  to  members  to  use  extreme  caution  in 
dealing  with  their  foundry  labor  so  that  the  union  cannot 
gain  a  foothold  in  their  shops  —  to  "  Beware  of  the  labor 
agitator  " —  have  been  given  by  the  Association's  officers. 
In  these  warnings,  cases  are  cited  where  concerns  had  gone 
through  a  strike  successfully  and  had  their  shops  "  cleaned," 
but  which  allowed  agitators  in  the  shops,  and  the  union  thus 
to  secure  a  foothold,  so  that  demands  were  made  which  were 
refused  and  a  strike  resulted  a  second  time.  Such  reor- 
ganization by  the  union,  it  is  pointed  out,  was  "  due  solely 
to  the  gross  carelessness  and  laxity  of  the  management."  ^* 
All  members  are  cautioned  frequently  about  indifference  in 
this  matter  and  reminded  of  the  old  saying  that  "  Eternal 
vigilance  is  the  price  of  peace. "^^  Members  are  informed 
as  to  the  records  of  certain  undesirable  workmen,  or  agi- 
tators.^^ The  N.  F.  A.  also  tries  to  induce  the  employer  to 
have  fair  conditions  in  his  shop  ^^  and  refuses  to  admit  as 
members,  employers  with  unfair  working  conditions,  deem- 
ing such  bad  risks,  as  bad  working  conditions  are  favorable 
even  to  spontaneous  agitation. ^'^  Thus  by  keeping  the  agi- 
tator out  of  the  shops  and  reducing  the  grounds  for  agita- 
tion, members  may  aid  greatly  in  preventing  strikes. 

Molding  Machines  and  Training  Workmen. —  The  As- 
sociation's representatives  in  the  field  have  endeavored  in 


The  National  Founders'  Association  8l 

every  way  to  impress  the  members  with  "  the  necessity  of 
putting  in  effect  such  measures  as  would  prevent  strikes, 
and  also  enable  a  much  stronger  line  of  defense   [to  be 
made]  in  case  trouble  actually  occurs."  ^*     In  addition  to 
warning  the  member  to  keep  the  agitator  out  of  the  shop, 
these  representatives  in  the  field,  as  they  pass  through  the 
shops  may  recognize  a  man  who  they  know  is  an  agitator 
and  trouble-maker  —  an  agitator  who  probably  got  into  the 
shop  under  an  assumed  name.     They  inform  the  member 
and   the  agitator   is   quietly   discharged.^®     Among   other 
measures  for  strike  prevention  suggested  to  members,  are, 
that  they  use  all  the  molding  machines  possible  and  that  they 
educate  their  own  supply  of  skilled  molders  by  training  a 
sufficient  number  of  apprentices.®^     "  In  the  establishment 
and  maintenance  of  the  open-shop   foundry,  the  molding 
machine  and  the  handyman  molder  are  the  foundryman's 
greatest  aid,"  for  the  skill  required  is  much  less  than  with 
the  old  methods.®^     The  Association  has  a  Committee  on 
Foundry  Methods,  which  is  largely  concerned  with  the  in- 
stallation of  molding  machines,  their  selection,  and  adapta- 
tion to  particular  foundry  problems,  and  method  of  use. 
Since  strikes  usually  occur  most  frequently  when  the  supply 
of  skilled  workmen  is  short,  the  foundr>'man  who  installs 
molding  machines  and  devotes  time  and  energy  to  the  in- 
struction of  green  men  in  molding,  does  much  to  prevent 
strikes.*^^     Members  are  importuned  in  person,  in  conven- 
tions, and  in  the  publications  of  the  Association,  to  use  the 
molding  machine  and  to  educate  their  own  molders.     The 
Association  has  urged  the  foundrymen  to  employ  instructors 
to  teach  molding  to  unskilled  laborers,  and  not  to  rely  upon 
foremen  to  train  the  men.     Furthermore,  it  has  advocated 
the  adoption  of  foundry  representation,  the  proper  organiza- 
tion and  the  instruction  of  the  operating  staff,  with  a  view 
to  avoiding  labor  difficulties.     It  has  favored  the  formation 
of  local  associations  composed  of  employers,  superintendents 


82  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

and  foremen,  so  that  all  may  learn  the  employers'  viewpoint 
and  co-operate  fully."^  "  Every  effort  is  made  by  the  Asso- 
ciation to  impress  upon  its  members  that  the  open  shop  must 
be  made  the  best  place  for  the  man  to  work,  from  the  point 
of  view  of  earning,  working  and  sanitary  conditions."  ^^ 
In  order  to  aid  the  employer  in  accomplishing  this  laudable 
state  of  affairs,  the  Association  has  established  a  "  Service 
Bureau  "  and  a  "  Safety  and  Sanitation  Bureau,"  the  work 
of  which  has  thus  been  described : 

''  Service  Bureau. —  Recognizing  the  need  for  scientific  ad- 
vice on  improved  machinery  and  apparatus,  the  Association 
established  a  Service  Bureau  under  the  direction  of  a  Com- 
mittee on  Foundry  Methods  appointed  from  members  of  the 
Association.  This  Committee  makes  a  thorough  investigation 
of  appliances  for  the  improvement  of  foundry  operation  — 
materials,  tools,  supplies  and  equipment ;  costs,  melting,  mold- 
ing, coremaking  and  cleaning;  inspection  and  shipping;  plan- 
ning and  production ;  patterns  and  flasks. 

"  Periodical  bulletins  of  its  discussions  and  findings  are 
issued.  An  experienced  practical  f  oundryman  is  in  charge  and 
his  services  are  available  to  members  upon  request.  The  de- 
mand for  the  services  of  the  Bureau  is  constantly  increasing, 
and  many  interesting  letters  are  received  of  the  advantageous 
results  procured  through  changes  in  methods  which  have  been 
recommended. 

"  Safety  and  Sanitation. —  The  Association  also  maintains  a 
Safety  and  Sanitation  Bureau,  which  has  made  a  thorough 
and  systematic  research  of  methods  for  diminishing  foundry 
hazards.  Its  bulletins,  published  in  volume  form,  have  been 
accepted  as  standard  by  sister  organizations.  State  labor  bu- 
reaus, insurance  companies,  public  service  corporations  and 
industrial  firms  in  all  lines  of  manufacture.  Realizing  that 
it  is  one  thing  to  recommend  a  safety  device  and  an  entirely 
different  matter  to  insure  its  use,  -the  Association  has  made  it 
easy  for  the  members  to  follow  its  recommendations  by  in- 
stalling a  stock  room  from  which  the  more  common  devices 
are  supplied  at  cost.     The  list  includes  danger  and  safety  signs. 


The  National  Founders'  Association  83 

goggles,  foundry  shoes,  leggings,  first  aid  jars,  etc.  Many  con- 
cerns outside  the  Association,  in  all  lines  of  manufacture,  are 
also  taking  advantage  of  this  feature  for  the  purchase  of  such 
supplies  as  come  within  their  requirements. 

"  In  1917  the  Association,  in  conjunction  with  the  American 
Foundrymen's  Association,  established  a  Foundry  Code  on 
Safety  and  Sanitation,  which  has  since  been  accepted  by  foun- 
dry proprietors  and  employees  throughout  the  country  and  is 
considered  a  model  by  which  safety  and  sanitation  in  industrial 
plants  generally  may  be  measured.  This  Code  was  approved 
by  Dr.  S.  W.  Stratton,  Director  of  the  Bureau  of  Standards,  at 
Washington,  and  several  of  the  States  have  used  it  as  a  basis 
in  framing  laws  affecting  manufacturing  plants.."  ®* 

Industrial  Education. —  Similarly,  the  efforts  of  the  As- 
sociation to  prevent  strikes,  have  led  it  to  give  its  support  to 
the  general  movement  for  industrial  education,  and  specific- 
ally to  aid  financially  and  otherwise  the  now-defunct  Winona 
Technical  Institute.*''^  This  Association,  like  many  others, 
has  found  that  the  results  obtained  for  the  support  given  to 
private  trade  schools,  are  far  too  meager  a  return  for  the 
cost,  and  so  has  turned  its  attention  to  the  establishment  of 
public  industrial  schools.*^^ 

Other  Preventive  Measures. — In  times  of  stress,  the 
representatives  in  the  field  for  the  Association  are  frequently 
called  upon  for  conferences  with  the  members  as  to  the  sort 
of  action  that  should  be  taken  to  prevent  strikes.^ ^ 

A  number  of  members,  variously  estimated  from  80  per 
cent  up,  operate  open  or  nonunion  shops,®*  and  thus  prevent 
strikes  under  all  but  very  abnormal  conditions.  As  we  have 
already  seen,  struck  members  are  required  to  sign  a  contract 
with  the  Association  that  they  will  maintain  open  shops  for 
a  year  after  conditions  become  regular,  and  this  tends  con- 
stantly to  increase  the  number  of  open  shops.  To  the  mem- 
l>er  who  has  gone  through  a  strike,  the  advice  to  "  take  care 
of  the  workmen  who  take  care  of  you,"  is  given  and  usually 
followed.^®     This  is  a  significant  move,  because  in  nearly 


84  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

every  strike,  the  union  demands  the  discliarge  of  the  non- 
unionists  who  have  acted  as  "  strike  breakers." 

The  Open  Shop  Review. —  In  an  attempt  to  offset  in 
part  the  agitation  of  the  closed-shop  unions  through  various 
pubHcations,  the  Association  publishes  "  The  Open  Shop  Re- 
view "  monthly,  and  sends  it  into  the  homes  of  the  molders, 
and  in  this  manner  prevents  strikes.  The  Association  ad- 
monishes the  employer  to  furnish  his  employees  with  litera- 
ture that  sets  before  them  "  reliable  information  on  eco- 
nomic problems,"  and  it  urges  its  members  to  have  The 
Open  Shop  Review  sent  to  the  homes  of  their  workmen. 
The  Review  is  published  for  certain  stated  purposes :  '^" 
"  Its  primary  object  is  to  interest  the  workman,"  '^^  "  to  reach 
the  working  people  of  the  country,  and  particularly  the 
molders,  through  literature  that  would  tend  to  counteract  the 
influence  of  the  socialistic  and  radical  unionism  of  the  time, 
as  presented  to  them  continually."  "'^  It  is  designed  to  place 
the  employer's  side  of  the  complicated  labor  problem  before 
the  workman,^^  to  show  him  that  the  real  worl^ng  conditions 
of  the  country  are  not  bad  on  the  whole,  and  that  specific 
cases  are  greatly  overdrawn,  and  to  inform  him  what  the 
employers  and  society  in  general  are  doing  for  his  welfare.*^* 
This  purpose  is  shown  specifically  by  the  Review  publishing 
for  a  number  of  months  a  series  of  articles  dealing  with  liv- 
ing* conditions  in  various  cities  of  the  United  States,  "  to 
show  the  workman  how  really  small  is  the  class  that  has  to 
live  among  squalor  and  filth  and  unsanitary  conditions ;  that 
the  great  majority  of  the  class  which  so  lives  is  there  because 
it  wants  to  be ;  that  these  conditions  are  not  due  to  industrial 
conditions,  but  to  vice,  intemperance,  foreign  customs  and 
methods  of  living,  and  that  the  only  relief  for  them  is  edu- 
cation along  the  lines  of  right  hving."  "'^  The  Review  has 
presented  the  results  of  an  investigation  which  tended  to 
prove  that  the  surplus  amount  paid  to  high  salaried  men 
would  not  appreciably  increase  wages  if  distributed  among 


The  National  Founders'  Association  85 

the  wage  eamersJ®  It  has  also  contended  that  union  re- 
strictions are  one  of  the  great  causes  for  the  high  cost  of 
living.''^  It  attacks  the  "  Hving-wage  "  theory ."'^  urges  in- 
creased production,  "^^  shows  how  men  advance  from  wage- 
earners  to  employers,^''  how  to  get  rich,®^  denies  that  the 
"  rich  are  getting  richer  and  the  poor  poorer,"  ^^  and  con- 
tends that  every  man  with  $100  is  a  capitalist.^^  Further- 
more, it  publishes  articles  which  contend  that  open-shop  con- 
ditions are  better  than  those  in  union  shops  ** — "  that  the 
*  open  shop  '  stands  for  the  best  wages,  the  best  hours,  and 
the  best  conditions,  .  .  .  that  the  *  open  shop '  pays  a  man 
according  to  his  ability  .  .  .  [while  in  the  'closed  shop'] 
the  poorest  mechanic  receives  as  much  as  the  best  workman, 
thus  destroying  all  incentive  for  either  man  to  work  for  the 
betterment  of  himself."  ^^  It  points  out  the  advantages  to 
the  workman  of  the  individual  contract.*^  It  shows  that 
efficient  workmen  earn  higher  wages  in  the  "  open-shop  " 
foundries  then  they  can  in  the  union  shop  with  a  set  day's 
work.^^  Likewise,  it  sets  forth  the  industrial  and  commer- 
cial progress  of  "  open-shop  "  cities  in  contrast  with  "  closed- 
shop  "  ones,^^  and  that,  "  Industrial  success  depends  upon 
the  open  shop."  ^®  One  of  the  articles  published  in  the  Open 
Shop  Review  stated  that,  in  New  York  City,  unsanitary  bak- 
eries used  the  union  label,  and  that,  in  these  union  bakeries, 
working  conditions  were  distinctly  bad.®^  On  the  other 
hand,  the  Open  Shop  Review  plays  an  important  part  in  the 
Association's  campaign  for  safety  and  sanitation,  for  mak- 
ing prevalent  far  better  working  conditions  in  the  open  shop 
than  are  usual  in  the  union  shop.®^  For  instance,  it  points 
out  to  its  members  that  "  The  employer's  title  to  peaceful  re- 
lations with  his  employees  and  to  steady  and  efficient  opera- 
tion of  his  plant  must  rest  on  the  inducements  he  holds  out  to 
his  workmen."  ®2  The  Review  has  contained  for  many 
months,  sections  on  accident  prevention,  workmen's  com- 
pensation, and  similar  topics.®^     The  Association's  "  Safety 


86  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Bulletin,"  formerly  issued  and  also  reprinted  in  the  i?^- 
view,^^  presented  much  valuable  information  on  the  preven- 
tion of  accidents  and  on  the  treatment  of  injured  persons.^ ^ 
This  was  succeeded  by  the  "  Spirit  of  Caution,"  issued  by  the 
Conference  Board  on  Safety  and  Sanitation,  with  which  the 
Association  is  affiliated.  The  "  Spirit  of  Caution "  was 
reprinted  in  the  Review.^^  Members  are  urged  regularly  in 
these  publications,  to  provide  plenty  of  light,  ventilation, 
washrooms,  and  other  good  conditions.^''^  The  Association 
has  also  published  an  excellent  treatise  upon  "  Safety  in  the 
Foundry,"  and  also  the  "  N.  F.  A.  Safety  Code  for  Foun- 
dries," which  contains  suggestions  for  proposed  safety 
laws.^^  The  N.  F.  A.  has  done  much  to  promote  safety  in 
the  foundry. 

Indictment  of  Unionism. —  The  Review  severely  attacks 
certain  labor  leaders,  and  indicts  closed-shop  unionism  on 
many  counts,  and,  through  these  charges,  endeavors  to  per- 
suade the  workman  that  the  closed-shop  union  is  a  bad  thing 
for  him, —  that  "  unionism  is  the  foe  of  labor."  ^^  A  sum- 
mary of  the  points  on  which  closed-shop  union  leaders  and 
agitators  have  been  indicted  will  show  how  severe  and  ex- 
tensive the  condemnation  has  been:  Union  leaders  in  cer- 
tain instances  are  characterized  as  cruel  autocrats  ^^^  who 
cause  workers  to  strike  in  many  cases  without  cause  or  rea- 
son.^®* Such  leaders  are  designated  as  "  outside  organizers 
and  agitators,"  ^°^  who  are  invariably  trouble  makers.  Fre- 
quent instances  are  given  of  union  agitators  who  have  been 
found  guilty  of  graft  and  blackmail,^*^^  and  some  closed- 
shop  unions  are  charged  with  the  employment  of  "  gun 
men  "  who  sometimes  murder  rival  union  leaders  as  well  as 
nonunion  men.^®*  Bomb  outrages,  committed  during  labor 
disturbances,  when  not  perpetrated  by  union  agitators,  have 
been  attributed  to  union  hirelings.^^^  Strikes  of  policemen 
are  likened  to  desertion  in  the  face  of  the  enemy.^^®  Certain 
union  leaders  have  been  impeached  for  disloyalty  to  the  U.  S. 


The  National  Founders'  Association  87 

Government  in  war  time  and  are  charged  with  fomenting 
strikes  in  plants  engaged  in  the  production  of  essential  war 
materials  for  the  Government. ^'^^  "  Closed  shop  leaders  " 
have  been  censured  in  specific  instances  for  using  the  war  as 
an  opportunity  to  force  restriction  of  output,^ ^*  and  a  num- 
ber of  unions  have  been  assailed  as  treasonable  for  "  slack- 
ing "  by  limiting  production  in  war  time.^^®  Strikers  in  war 
time  are  classed  with  traitors.^ ^'^  "  Labor's  disloyal  minor- 
ity "  is  said  to  be  the  unions  who  are  autocratically  and  trea- 
sonably controlled.^  ^^  Union  opposition  to  a  strong  state 
militia  is  cited  as  evidence  of  the  treasonable  character  of 
the  unions."''  It  has  been  asserted  repeatedly  that  "  there  are 
less  than  8  per  cent  of  the  workers  unionized, —  3,000,000 
union  workers  in  the  U.  S.  A. —  37,000,000  independent 
workers."  ^^^  The  electricians'  union  of  Chicago  is  cited  as 
an  example  of  a  closed-shop  union  which  is  completely  closed 
to  other  workers  because  the  initiation  fee  is  $200  and  only 
sons  of  members  are  eligible.^^^  It  has  been  stated  fre- 
quently that  particular  unions  break  a  pledge  or  agreement 
whenever  they  feel  that  their  position  is  strong  enough  to 
force  further  concessions  from  the  employer.^  ^^  Likewise 
it  has  been  asserted  that  the  "  A.  F,  of  L.  advises  members 
to  disregard  the  law,"  *^^  and  the  unions  are  condemned  for 
attempting  to  have  freed  the  union  agitators  who  have  been 
convicted  of  atrocious  crimes.^  ^'^  The  A.  F.  of  L.  has  been 
linked  with  the  I.  W.  W.,^^^  and  unionism  has  been  likened 
to  Bolshevism.*^®  Bolshevism  and  Socialism  have  each  been 
exposed  as  a  great  menace  to  our  institutions.*^" 

The  attacks  on  the  closed-shop  leaders  are  intended  to  dis- 
credit such  union  officers  in  the  eyes  of  the  members,  while 
the  indictments  of  "  unionism  "  probably  prevent  workmen 
from  joining  and  cause  members  to  v/ithdraw  from  such 
unions.  The  publishers  of  the  Revieiv  claim  that  it  has  had 
considerable  immediate  eflFect  in  preventing  strikes,  for  in- 
stance, by  showing  to  the  workmen  on  or  about  to  strike  that 


88  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

their  strike  leaders  are  the  same  ones  who  failed  in  a  pre- 
vious strike  in  another  place,  or  are  grafters.^^^  The  results 
of  such  exposures,  it  is  claimed,  have  been  to  cause  former 
radical  leaders  in  different  localities  to  change  their  tactics 
and  preach  conservatism.^^^  Its  advice  to  workmen  is  to 
get  a  good  job  and  hold  it;  don't  drift  or  strike.^^^  Un- 
doubtedly, the  Reznew  tends  to  make  many  workmen,  espe- 
cially with  families,  hesitate  before  striking,  since  it  has 
published  on  occasions  long  lists  of  strikes  in  which  the  union 
is  said  to  have  lost  in  most  cases,^^^  and  the  loss  to  the 
strikers  in  lost  wages,  damages,  etc.,  is  portrayed  vividly.^^* 
Such  portrayals  conduce  to  a  contented  state  of  mind,  on  the 
part  of  the  employees  who  read  this  publication,  with  their 
present  conditions,  and  so  make  the  relations  of  the  em- 
ployer and  employee  more  amicable. ^^^  Thus,  by  stifling 
union  agitation,  the  Review  contributes  to  strike  prevention. 
Other  Literature  and  Propaganda. —  The  Association, 
however,  does  not  confine  its  "  educational  work  "  to  the 
sending  of  the  Review  free  to  the  employees  of  its  members. 
It  also  publishes  and  distributes  booklets,  and  plans  an  exten- 
sion of  its  propaganda  to  wider  fields  than  is  now  carried  on. 
It  published  "  A  Policy  of  Lawlessness,"  which  contained 
extracts  from  sworn  statements  of  persons  who  had  been 
intimidated  or  assaulted  by  union  pickets  and  sluggers,  along 
with  other  evidence  of  violence  by  union  members.^ ^^ 
Somewhat  different  in  character  is  "  What  Is  Progress  in 
Politics  ?  "  an  address  of  Nicholas  Murray  Butler,  which  was 
printed  and  distributed  by  the  Association. ^^^  Other  of  its 
pamphlets  are  "  Closed  Shop  Unionism,"  "  What  the  Eight- 
Hour  Agitation  Means,"  "  The  Labor  Secretary  and  Labor 
Questions,"  "  Concise  Information  Regarding  the  National 
Founders'  Association,"  and  "  The  Practical  Value  of  the 
National  Founders'  Association  in  Resisting  Unjust  Union 
Demands."^ 2^     The  Association  sends  its  literature  not  only 


The  National  Founders'  Association  89 

to  workmen  but  to  others  who  are  interested  in  the  various 
phases  of  the  labor  problem. ^^"  The  clergy,  teachers  and 
editors  have  received  the  Association's  publications,  and  it 
plans  for  the  future  an  extension  of  the  work  to  a  systematic 
campaign  to  educate  the  leaders  of  the  various  groups  in 
society  in  the  economics  of  the  open  shop  and  the  character 
of  the  national  conflict  being  waged  for  it.^^^  It  has  advo- 
cated better  pay  for  educators  and  clergymen,  and  has  urged 
the  employers  to  show  the  farmer  how  his  interests  in  labor 
matters  are  the  same  as  theirs.^^^ 

Legislative  and  Political  Activities. —  The  Association 
has  been  active  in  opposing  labor  legislation  both  national 
and  state.*  ^^  It  has  had  committees  or  representatives  to 
appear  before  congressional  committees  in  Washington, 
D.  C,  in  opposition  to  legislation  desired  by  the  American 
Federation  of  Labor;  and  has  otherwise  opposed  the  legis- 
lative and  political  activities  of  the  unions.*^*  It  has  op- 
posed the  passage  of  anti-injunction  bills,  anti-scientific  man- 
agement bills,  immigration-restriction  bills,  the  Seamen's 
Act,  etc.*^'^  It  characterized -the  Adamson  Bill  as  "prob- 
ably the  most  vicious  and  costly  legislation  ever  passed  by 
any  law-making  body."  *^^  At  all  times,  "  The  National 
Founders'  Association  has  been  most  active  in  working  for 
the  interests  of  the  foundry  industry  in  preventing  the  pas- 
sage of  legislation  of  this  character."*^'  It  has  contended 
that  "  it  is  not  a  question  of  laws  that  we  want,  not  a  ques- 
tion of  more  legislation ;  what  we  want  is  obedience  to  our 
present  laws."  *^®  It  has  co-operated  with  many  other  as- 
sociations in  opposition  to  both  national  and  state  legisla- 
tion*^® in  which  it  has  been  interested.*^®  It  has  secured 
amendments  to  proposed  bills,  so  that  the  unions  were  robbed 
of  all  but  a  victory  in  name  when  such  bills  became  laws.*^* 
It  protested  against  the  formation  of  a  national  industrial 
conference,  the  personnel  of  which  included  no  "  actual  ac- 


90  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

tive  manufacturer."  ^^^  Its  literature  complains  frequently 
of  political  agitation,  and  it  has  passed  resolutions  con- 
demning agitation  and  legislative  tinkering. ^^^ 

Various  governmental  bodies  and  officials  have  received 
condemnation  at  its  hands.  Secretary  W.  B.  Wilson  of  the 
U.  S.  Department  of  Labor,  has  been  severely  censured  for 
his  union  attitude  while  in  office;  ^*^  as  has  Assistant-Sec- 
retary Louis  Post  of  the  same  department  because  he  said 
that  Mooney  did  not  have  a  fair  trial,  and  because  he  resisted 
the  wholesale  deportation  of  "  reds  "  or  alleged  Bolshe- 
vists.^ ^^  The  Department  of  Labor  was  also  assailed  for 
sending  out  mediators  who  were  partisan  to  the  unions.^  *^ 
The  actions  of  Chairman  Frank  Walsh  of  the  Commission 
on  Industrial  Relations  and  the  manner  in  which  he  con- 
ducted the  hearings  of  that  body  have  been  as  strongly  dis- 
approved by  the  Association. ^^'^  The  Final  Report  of  the 
Commission  also  was  condemned  as  was  the  personnel  of  the 
Commission  and  its  general  method  of  procedure,  on  the 
ground  of  its  strong  union  bias.^^^ 

Unfavorable  criticism  has  been  likewise  heaped  upon  the 
L^.  S.  Employment  Service  for  its  alleged  pro-union  activi- 
ties,^^® the  President's  Mediation  Commission  for  its  pro- 
union  recommendations, ^^°  and  the  War  Labor  Policies 
Board  for  its  pro-union  attitude  and  for  its  immature  de- 
velopment and  inexperienced  personnel.^ ^^  The  N.  F.  A. 
characterized  the  International  Labor  Conference  as  a  men- 
ace to  America's  industrial  progress.^^^ 

The  N.  F.  A.  has,  on  the  other  hand,  favored  legislation 
to  make  picketing  illegal,^^^  has  advocated  the  establishment 
of  a  state  constabulary,^  ^^  and,  during  the  war,  urged  that  a 
law  be  enacted  which  would  conscript  men  for  industrial  en- 
terprises.^ ^^  It  has  demanded  the  suppression  of  the  I.  W. 
■^Y^i56  ^^^  advocated  the  Americanization  of  the  foreign 
element  of  our  population.^  ^^ 

In  a  political  way,  the  Association  has,  moreover,  pointed 


The  National  Founders'  Association  91 

out  that  the  poHtical  power  of  unions  in  elections  is  pure 
fiction,^^*  and  it  has  condemned  the  Farmers'  Non-Partisan 
League  for  its  SociaHstic  and  Bolshevistic  character,^  ^'^  as 
v/ell  as  certain  congressmen  for  their  cowardice.^ ^'^     It  has 
argued  strongly  that  it  is  the  duty  of  business  men  to  go  into 
poHtics.^*^^     It  commended  Mayor  Ole  Hanson  of  Seattle 
for  the  manner  in  which  he  handled  a  general  strike  in  that 
^j^y  162     j^  praised  Gov.  John  M.  Parker  of  Louisiana  for 
his  stand  in  regard  to  strikes.^^^     It  adopted  resolutions  ex- 
pressing its  deep  debt  of  gratitude  to  Attorney-General  A. 
Mitchell  Palmer  "  for  his  timely  efifort  and  loyal  and  cour- 
ageous action  in  defense  of  American  principles  and  against 
the  disloyal  and  unlawful  activities  of  the  United   Mine 
Workers  of  America  and  their  allies."  ^^^     Mr.  Palmer  has 
been  commended  by  the  Open  Shop  Review,  and  so  has 
Major-General  Wood  for  restoring  order  in  the  steel  dis- 
trict at  Gary  during  the  steel  strike. ^^^     It  has  endorsed  the 
American  Legion  ^^^  and  urged  employers  to  stand  by  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States. ^®^     It  attacks  govern- 
ment ownership  and  operation  as  extravagant  and  unwise.^ ^* 
Interrelations. —  The  Association  is  or  has  been  inter- 
related with  many  other  Associations.     In  its  organization, 
it  was  modeled  somewhat  after  the  Stove  Founders'  Na- 
tional Defense  Association.^''®     For  a  long  period  of  years, 
it  has  fought  the  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Asso- 
ciation, largely  because  of  the  latter's  negotiatory  policy 
towards  the  molders'  union.^'^'^     The  N.  F.  A.  has  at  times 
apparently  urged  members  of  the  latter  to  revolt,  and  a  few 
years    ago    opened    its    membership    to    them.^^^     It    has 
brought  strong  indictments  against  the  S.  F.  N.  D.  A.  for 
being  in  a  combination  to  restrain  interstate  commerce.*  ^^ 
The  National  Founders'  Association  has  aided  in  the  forma- 
tion of  other  associations.     Instances  of  this  are:  the  Na- 
tional  Metal  Trades  Association,   which   was   formed   by 
members  and  officers  of  the   N.   F.   A. ;  and  the  United 


92  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Metal  Trades  Association  of  the  Pacific  Coast,  in  which 
officers  of  the  N.  F.  A.  took  an  active  part  both  in 
the  preHminary  and  permanent  organization, ^'^^  It  is 
still  closely  related  to  these  associations  which  it  has 
fostered, —  it  keeps  in  touch  with  the  officers  of  both.^*^* 
With  the  N.  M.  T.  A.,  however,  the  N.  F.  A.  has 
many  relations,  such  as  through  mutual  officers  and 
members, ^'^^  joint  committees  and  representatives,  and 
affiliations  with  the  same  federations. ^^^  It  must  not  be  for- 
gotten that  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  strongly  influenced  the  N.  F.  A. 
to  become  belligerent.  For  several  years  there  has  been  a 
joint  committee  composed  of  the  presidents  of  the  two  as- 
sociations. Formerly  the  two  organizations  had  a  joint  legis- 
lative representative  before  Congress, ^^^  and  Mr.  Walter 
Drew  of  the  National  Erectors'  Association  has  represented 
all  three  associations  before  the  Commission  on  Industrial 
Relations. ^^^  These  and  the  National  Association  of  Man- 
ufacturers, the  National  Electric  Light  Association,  the  Na- 
tional Council  for  Industrial  Defense,  and  the  American 
Anti-Boycott  Association  (now  the  League  for  Industrial 
Rights)  co-operated  in  their  opposition  to  an  amendment  of 
the  Clayton  Anti-Trust  Bill  in  the  sections  pertaining  to 
labor  matters.^  ^^  The  N.  F.  A.  sent  out  to  various  employ- 
ers' associations  a  set  of  resolutions  endorsing  strongly  the 
findings  of  the  Anthracite  Coal  Strike  Commission ;  and  the 
following  associations,  among  others,  passed  the  resolutions : 
N.  A.  M.,  N.  M.  T.  A.,  and  N.  E.  A.^««  Representatives  of 
the  N.  F.  A.,  the  N.  M.  T.  A.,  the  N.  A.  M.,  and  the  National 
Electric  Light  Association  formed  an  organization  known  as 
the  Conference  Board  on  Safety  and  Sanitation, ^^^  so  the  re- 
lations among  these  associations  seem  to  be  quite  compli- 
cated. President  Briggs  of  the  N.  F.  A.,  in  speaking  of  the 
McNamara  case,  which  was  conducted  primarily  by  the  Na- 
tional Erectors'  Association,  urged  members  of  his  organiza- 


The  National  Founders'  Association  93 

tton  as  follows :  "  Let  us  use  our  efforts  and  energies  as 
loyal  citizens  of  the  United  States,  to  the  end  that  the  guilty 
parties  in  this  case,  whoever  they  may  be,  may  ultimately  be 
brought  to  justice."  ^^^     It  aided  in  the  organization  of  arid 
is  now  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the  United 
States.^**     Many  local  organizations  of  foundrymen  have 
a  large  percentage  of  members  who  belong  to  the  N.  F,  A, 
For  example,  in  Milwaukee,  90  per  cent  of  the  members  of 
the  Metal  Trades  and  Founders'  Association  have  been  mem- 
bers of  the  N.  F.  A.^*^     It  has  also  co-operated  with  state 
and  local  associations  for  instance,  with  the  Illinois  Manu- 
factures'  Association,   in  opposition  to  certain  classes   of 
legislation."*     It    was    represented    on    the    Joint    Con- 
ference Board  on  Industrial  Relations,^ ^^  Conference  Board 
on  Training  of  Apprentices,  ^^^  National  Industrial  Confer- 
ence Board,^^^  and  is  still  represented  on  some  of  these  and 
others.     Its  President  praised  a  report  of  the  National  Civic 
Federation  on  the  comparative  returns  to  capital  and  labor, 
although  the  associations  have  had  a  diverse  labor  policy.^®* 
The  N.  F.  A.  endorsed,  in  fact,  is  a  member  of  the  Inter- 
Racial  Council  of  New  York,  which  is  a  body  that  "  is  inter- 
ested in  stimulating  a  sound  immigration  policy,  excluding 
only  the  undesirable  and  encouraging  a  greater  supply  of 
common  labor  of  which  industry  is  in  such  need."  ^^^     Its 
President,  Mr.  Wm.  H.  Barr,  is  also  a  member  of  the  Ex- 
ecutive Committee  of  the  National  Industrial  Council,  and 
of  the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board,  as  well  as 
President  of  the  Inter- Racial  Council.^®** 

REFERENCES 

^S(i4)'2T  Letter  and  Memorandum.  (Abv.  SCi4)'2i  Letter)  ;  see 
also  D'20  The  Open  Shop  Review,  p.  491,  (Formerly  called  The  Review; 
Abv.  O  S  Rev  and  Rev);  D(2S)'2o  Letter  and  Memorandum; 
Proceedings  of  the  Sixteenth  Annual  Convention,  National 
Founders'  Association,  1912,  p.  23,  (Abv.  '12  N  F  A)  ;  D  '13  Rev  15; 
Anti-Tnjunction  Bill,  Complete  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  the 
Judiciary,   U.   S.   House  of  Representatives,    1904,  pp.   288-289,   (Abv. 


94  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

'04  H  I  H).  2 Injunctions,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  the 
Judiciary  U.  S.  House  of  Representatives  on  H  R  23635,  1912,  p.  156. 
Abv.  *i2  H  I  H)  ;  Limiting  Federal  Injunctions,  Hearings  before  the 
Committee  on  the  Judiciary,  U.  S.  Senate,  on  H  R  23635,  1912,  p.  49, 
(Abv.  '12  S  I  H)  ;  3  D(i5)'2o  Letter;  See  also  Eight  Hour  Law,  Hear- 
ings before  the  Committee  on  Education  and  Labor,  U.  S.  Senate  on 
H  R  9061,  1912,  p.  283;  (Abv.  '12  S  H  H)  ;  Industrial  Relations,  Final 
Report  and  Testimony,  U.  S.  Commission  on  Industrial  Relations,  pp. 
466,  550,  (Abv.  Ind  Rel)  ;  Cf  Miss  Stecker  on  the  National  Founders' 
Association,  in  the  Quarterly  Journal  of  Economics,  XXX:  (1-35,  F'i6), 
p.  22,  (Abv.  Stecker).  *  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  National  Found- 
ers' Association,  4-5,  (Abv.  Const);  '12  N  F  A  20;  D'17  Rev  499; 
D'i8  O  S  Rev  500-501;  Cf  Ind  Rel  467.  ''Const  3-4;  See  also  Decem- 
ber Reviews.  "Const  6.  ''^  Const  14-16,  17.  ^'D{isy20  Letter;  See 
also  Concise  Information,  National  Founders'  Association,  (Abv.  Con- 
cise). »  Const  13.  1°  Const  3.  ^^  D(i5)'20  Letter;  See  also  '12  N  F  A 
59-  ^2D(i5)'20  Letter,  ^s '04  H  I  H  288-289;  See  also  A  Policy  of 
Lawlessness,  3,  (Abv.  Policy)  ;  '12  H  I  H  217;  '12  S  I  H  93;  For  much 
of  the  very  early  history  of  the  N.  F.  A.,  see  Stecker.  i-*D(i5)'20 
Letter ;  See  also  references  under  reference  number  13.  ^^  '04  H  I  H 
288-289.  i<'D(i5)'2o  Letter.  ^^  Harmony  Between  Capital  and  Labor, 
18  '04  H  I  H  289;  Const  29,  31-32;  Ind  Rel  460,  556;  Proceedings  of  the 
.  .  .  Annual  Convention,  National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  1916,  p. 
253,  (Abv.  N  A  M).  i9  Ind  Rel  458,  476,  526.  2od(i5)'2o  Letter;  see 
also  0'i4  Rev  445.  ^i  The  Attitude  Which  Should  be  Taken  by  an  Edu- 
cated Ministry  Towards  the  Modern  Industrial  Situation,  an  Address  by 
Mr.  O.  P.  Briggs,  (MS.  Abv.  Attitude)  ;  Policy  3 ;  '12  S  I  H  93 ;  '12  H  I 
H  217.  22  Concise,  ^sd'ii  Rev  13.  2^  D'13  Rev  2.  25  Const  25-28; 
and  in  the  back  pages  of  The  Reviczt:  20  Const  1&-19.  27  Const  19-20. 
28  Concise.  29  From  an  Address  delivered  by  an  Association  Officer 
before  the  Author's  class  on  Employers'  Associations.  ^^  S'o6  Rev  17; 
D'lo  Rev  25.  31  0'o7  Rev  25;  '12  N  F  A  31;  D'15  Rev  568; 
D'i6  Rev  567;  D'17  Rev  480;  D'i8  O  S  Rev  479)  Ind  Rel  469. 
32D'o9  Rev  22-23;  D'lO  Rev  25-27;  D'li  Rev  31-32.  33  ji'o6  Rev  11; 
S'o6  Rev  17 ;  0'o6  Rev  48 ;  D'lo  Rev  26;  N'20  O  S  Rev  i.  34  '12  N  F  A 
13.  35D'i2  Rev  15-16.  36D'i3  Rev  11.  37^-05  Rev  3-4.  38  D'14 
Rev  564-566.  30  Policy ;  Interviews.  *^  U.  S.  Industrial  Commission, 
Report  on  Labor  Organizations,  Labor  Disputes  and  Arbitration,  and 
on  Railway  Labor,  Volume  17,  p.  352,  (Abv.  Ind  Com).  *i  Policy  24, 
93-94.  99-100;  '12  S  I  H  100,  130,  132;  '12  H  I  H  224,  254,  256.  *-  D'17 
Rev  480;  D  '18  O  S  Rev  479;  D  '19  O  S  Rev  489;  D  '20  O  S  Rev  488;  S 
(i4)'2i  Letter.  <3 '12  N  F  A  20.  ■**  Je'o6  Rev  15.  ^^  Je'o6  Rev  12-13, 
see  also  pp.  lo-ii.  *«  Je'o6  Rev  17;  N'05  Rev  3^.  '♦^  F'o6  Rev  8.  " 
Ap'o8  Rev  4;  N'li  Rev  4.  ^^  Const  11.  ^°'i2  N  F  A  18;  D'lo  Rev  21. 
51  D'09  Rev  24-25.  52  D'o8  Rev  9-10,  11,  25-26;  D'lo  Rev  21.  ^3  '12  N 
F    A    18;    see   also    D'li    Rev    24-25.     54S(8)'io    Letter;    see    also 


The  National  Founders'  Association  95 

Au'i8  O  S  Rov  335-    ^s  Concise.    ^^  Ap(i)'o7  American  Industries  8. 
•''''Concise,     ^sd'u   Rgy  27.     "9  interview.     ♦'"D'12  Rev   14-15.     "^  D'li 
Rev  30.    «-D'io  Rev  26-27;  D'lS  O  S  Rev  483,  493.    03  d'qq  Rev  28, 
31-34;  D(i)'o6  American  Industries  g;   N'09  Rev  30;  Jl'iS  O  S  Rev 
292-293;  D'19  O   S   Rev  473.  475.  490.    °*D(i5)'20  Letter;   See  also 
Plan   of   Organization.    ^'^D'li    Rev    18;    D'09   Rev   20-21;    Mr(i)'o7 
American  Industries  7;  Jl(iS)'o7  American  Industries  11.    "''Interview. 
87D'io  Rev  31.    «8'i6  NAM  256;   Ind  Rel  468;  D'li   Rev   16,  27. 
«9D'ii     Rev    4.    70  Concise;     D'15     Rev    556-557;     D'i6     Rev    568- 
569;     0'i7     Rev     396-398;     D'i8     O     S     Rev     485.    "D'12     Rev 
20.    '^2  D'i2     Rev     II.     73  Concise.    '*  D'12     Rev     22-25;     see     also 
Ap'15    Rev    167.    75  D'i2   Rev   23;    see  also   Ja'13   Rev   5-24.    76  0'i8 
O  S  Rev  400-401.    7T  s'20  O  S  Rev  358-359;  S'19  O  S  Rev  358-359,  377; 
0'20  O  S  Rev  419 ;  N'20  O  S  Rev  456-459,  460-461.    ^s  Au'20  O  S  Rev 
334;  0'20  O  S  Rev  391.     70  S'20  O  S  Rev  357.    ^^  Au'20  O  S  Rev  297- 
312;  S'20  O  S  Rev  362-377.    8iji'2o  O  S  Rev  275.    82  N'20  O  S  Rev 
44&-452.     83jr20  O  S  Rev  280.    s^D'ii  Rev  12;  see  also  '16  NAM 
257;  D'19  O  S  Rev  489.    85Mr'i8  Rev  112.    »^N'20  O  S  Rev  430-431. 
87Je'i7  O  S  Rev  236;  Ap'i8  O  S  Rev  158.    ssAu'ig  O  S  Rev  330-331- 
89  D'19  O  S  Rev  465;  N'20  O  S  Rev  432.    oo  Au'14  Rev  349;  see  also 
'16  N  A  M  256,  257.    "  D'li  Rev  30-32;  D'14  Rev  569;  D'15  Rev  570. 
92Ja'o9  Rev  36.    ^^D'12  Rev  23;  and  all  Reviews.    »*  D'14  Rev  569. 
»5  N.  F.  A.  Safety  Bulletin.    »«  My'17  Rev  122.    »7  D'i8  O  S  Rev  485 ; 
'12  N  F  A  26-27.    98  Books  themselves.    ^^D'14  Rev  569;  jri7  O   S 
Rev  276,  282,  293;  S'17  O  S  Rev  348,  361 ;  Mr'19  O  S  Rev  87.    i""  S'19 
O  S  Rev  371-374;  D'19  O  S  Rev  470;  F*2o  O  S  Rev  64-66;  Ap'20  O  S 
Rev  133-135;  Je'20  O  S  Rev  213-214;  0'2o  O  S  Rev  398.    1°^  Au'19 
O  S  Rev  334-335;  Je'20  O  S  Rev  225-226;  S'20  O  S  Rev  347,  360,  361. 
^02  N'19  O  S  Rev  441-443;  Ap'20  O  S  Rev  144;  N'20  O  S  Rev  444.  445. 
103  N'i8  O  S  Rev  436-437;  Je'19  O  S  Rev  241-242;  F'20  O  S  Rev  66; 
Au'20  O  S  Rev  320-322.    10*  Mr'19  O  S  Rev  120-121 ;  F'20  O  S  Rev 
76-81;  Ap'20  O  S  Rev  151.    io'5S'i9  O  S  Rev  325;  Ja'20  O  S  Rev  11; 
0'20  O  S  Rev  389-391.     100  S'19  O  S  Rev  376-377;  O'lg  O  S  Rev  409- 
415;   D'19  O  S  Rev  466.    107  Au'17  Rev  297-301;   N'17  Rev  423-439, 
444,  449-453:    0'i7   Rev  399-403;   Ja'i8  Rev   37-39;    F'i8   Rev  45-61, 
66-67,  70-83;  Mr'i8  Rev  97-103,  108-109,  1 13-125;  Ap'i8  O  S  Rev  129- 
132,  136-139.  140-143;  My'i8  O  S  Rev  204-205;  Jl'iS  O  S  Rev  276-277; 
Au'i8  O  S  Rev  307-308;  F'20  O  S  Rev  60;  D'19  O  S  Rev  466,  468,  477. 
496.     108  N'i8  O  S  Rev  429.    loeQ'iS  O  S  Rev  405-410;  N'i8  O  S  Rev 
448-453.     "oo'i8  O  S  Rev  414-41S;  N'i8  O  S  Rev  454-455,  456-460; 
D'i8  O  S  Rev  503.    "^  S'i8  O  S  Rev  339-350,  357-36i,  373.    i"  Je'20 
O  S  Rev  228.    113  P19  O  S  Rev  88-125;  Ap'19  O  S  Rev  12^167;  also 
in  May  to  Nov.,'19  issues,     n*  S'19  O  S  Rev  361 ;  My'20  O  S  Rev  196; 
Je'20  O  S  Rev  234.    115  N'i8  O  S  Rev  468-469;  Ja'19  O  S  Rev  19-23, 
41;  F'19  O  S  Rev  11&-113;  F'20  O  S  Rev  52;  Au'i8  O  S  Rev  318- 
319;  D'i8  O  S  Rev  484;  My'20  O  S  Rev  193-205;  S'20  O  S  Rev  353- 


96  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

356;  0'20  O  S  Rev  415-417-  "*  Au'19  O  S  Rev  287-301 ;  D'19  O  S  Rev 
466,  477-480;  F'20  O  S  Rev  60.  -i^Au'iS  O  S  Rev  318-319;  D'i8  O  S 
Rev  484.  ii«  S'17  Rev  339-349;  Ap'i8  O  S  Rev  142;  S'i9  O  S  Rev  346- 
355;  0'i9  O  S  Rev  416-420;  Ap'20  O  S  Rev  149.  "»  Ap'i8  O  S  Rev 
142;  Je'19  O  S  Rev  223-227;  jri9  O  S  Rev  268-277;  Au'19  O  S  Rev 

303,  322-324;  S'19  O  S  Rev  346-355;  Je'20  O  S  Rev  242-243;  0'20  O  S 
Rev  403.  i20D'i8  O  S  Rev  498;  Au*i9  O  S  Rev  325-327,  332;  F'19 
O  S  Rev  97-101 ;  Je'19  O  S  Rev  247-251;  jri9  O  S  Rev  265-267;  Au*20 
O  S  Rev  310-31 1,  322  y  N'20  O  S  Rev  436.  121  D'12  Rev  24.  122  d'o8 
Rev  28.  i23N'2o  O  S  Rev  443,  455.  i24D'io  Rev  63.  i20Ap'i5  Rev 
153-^166;  Ap'20  O  S  Rev  151;  N'20  O  S  Rev  432,  455,  456-459,  and 
other  Reviews.  i26j)'jj  Rgy  21.  127  pQij^y  128  Pamphlet  itself  and 
interview.  129  Pamphlets  themselves,  ^^o  D'i(,  Rev  569,  and  pamphlet 
itself.  i3iD'i4  Rev  561,  571.  1^2  o'jg  q  5  Rev  422-473;  Mr'20  O  S 
Rev  iia-117.  ^33 '04  H  I  H  292-294;  '12  S  I  H  297,  303;  '12  S  H  H 
60,  283 ;  Synopsis  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Convention 
National  Metal  Trades  Association,  1913,  pp.  79-81,  (Abv.  '13 
N  M  T  A).  134 'i3  N  M  T  A  12;  D'i6  Rev  569-570.  135  D'15  R^y 
558-559,  572,  578,  580;  Ap'i8  O  S  Rev  151 ;  Jl'i8  O  S  Rev  269-272;  Je'i8 
O  S  Rev  234-235 ;  S'20  O  S  Rev  352.  i36  0'i9  O  S  Rev  381.  ^^  Con- 
cise. 188  Ind  Rel  463.  iso  D'14  Rev  563.  ""D'n  Rev  23;  D'12  Rev 
16.  "1  D'14  Rev  563.  1*2  Au (3) '19  Washington  D.  C.  Evening  Star 
12.  i*3D'ii  Rev  38-39;  see  also  My'15  Rev  229,  244.  i**The  Labor 
Secretary  and  Labor  Questions;  D'14  Rev  559;  Ja'15  Rev  41-42:  Ja'14 
American  Industries  11-13;  D'14  American  Industries  45.  i^'^Ja'iQ 
O  S  Rev  16.  148  Je'20  O  S  Rev  236-241 ;  Ap'i8  O  S  Rev  141.  i^^  Ja'15 
Rev  29,  39-40;  Ap'15  Rev  168-170;  My'15  Rev  239-244.  i*^  Ja'15  Rev 
29;  D'15  Rev  556,  578.  i*9D'i8  O  S  Rev  471;  My'19  O  S  Rev  186- 
196;  Je'19  O  S  Rev  251;  Jl'19  O  S  Rev  278;  Au'19  O  S  Rev  322. 
i50Mr'i8  Rev  87-91.  1^1  D' 18  O  S  Rev  471;  Je*i8  O  S  Rev  236-240. 
152  N'19  O  S  Rev  452-454.  153  0'i9  O  S  Rev  399-40i.  ^-'^  F19  O  S 
Rev  109;  Je'19  O  S  Rev  246;  N'19  O  S  Rev  436.    i^s  Au'17  Rev  302- 

304.  i58Au'i7  Rev  329;  S'17  Rev  339-349.  i^^  D'19  0  S  Rev  472. 
i5«  My'19  O  S  Rev  184-187;  jr20  O  S  Rev  277;  0'20  O  S  Rev  381- 
386.  159  Mr'i8  Rev  92-96;  Je'i8  O  S  Rev  249.  i«o  Jl'i8  O  S  Rev  270. 
161  D'i8  O  S  Rev  472;  Jl'20  O  S  Rev  276.  i«2  Mr'19  O  S  Rev  114-119- 
i63Au'20  O  S  Rev  318-319.  le*  D'i9  O  S  Rev  499-500.  is'' D'19  O  S 
Rev  492;  F'20  O  S  Rev  46.  i6«  F'20  O  S  Rev  67.  le^  D'19  O  S  Rev 
471;  S'20  O  S  Rev  339-345.  "«Au'2o  O  S  Rev  333-  i«»  Ind  Com 
17:  349-350.  i^°Ap'o8  Rev  25,  27;  D'09  Rev  7-i3-  i"  F'09  Rev  13; 
Interview,  i"  Mr'09  Rev  5-12;  Je'14  Rev  253-261.  i"  Je'07  35-371 
Jl(i)'o7  American  Industries  16.  ^"f*  The  Open  Shop,  V:  264.  i" '14 
N  M  T  A  21 ;  List  of  Officers  and  Members,  N.  M.  T.  A. ;  Membership 
List.  N.  F.  A.;  Je-Jl'15  Bulletin.  N.  M.  T.  A.,  3-  "^'i3  N  M  T  A 
79-81.  i"'i3  N  M  T  A  12  i"D'i4  Rev  584;  My'15  Rev  204,  208, 
212,219    1^9  D'14  Rev  563.    ^*°  Attitude,     isi  S' 14  American  Industries 


The  National  Founders'  Association  97 

24;  D'14  Rev  561,  595.  i82D'ii  Rev  13.  i83'i2  N  F  A  18-19.  i" -jj 
S  'H  H  297,  303;  Interviews,  ^^s  d'j^  Rev  556.  ^^^  d'i^  Rgy  573. 
My'i6  Rev  249.  '^^  Publications,  National  Industrial  Conference 
Board,  ^s*  D'15  Rev  558.  i89  D'lg  O  S  Rev  472;  D(i5)'2o  Letter. 
18°  D'20  American  Industries  20;  List  of  Associations  of  the  Associated 
Employers  of  Indianapolis;  Booklet  of  the  N  I  C  B. 


CHAPTER  IV 
THE  NATIONAL  METAL  TRADES  ASSOCIATION 

Of  all  the  associations  in  America,  none  is  more  nearly 
representative  of  the  entire  group  than  is  the  National  Metal 
Trades  Association.  It  is  more  nearly  representative  be- 
cause it  is  active  along  many  lines  and  so  has  characteristics 
of  associations  with  limited  or  more  or  less  specialized  activi- 
ties. It  is  fairly  representative  because  it  has  developed 
through  several  stages  of  evolution.  Again  the  fact  that  it 
is  in  the  great  metal  industry,  which  is  one  of  America's  rep- 
resentative industries,^  is  further  evidence  that  it  may  be 
taken  as  representative  of  many  of  the  associations  of  the 
United  States.  If  it  were  entirely  representative  of  all  the 
associations,  we  could  well  confine  our  study  to  it  alone,  but 
there  are  a  number  of  associations  with  which  it  has  little 
in  common;  necessarily  other  typical  associations  must  be 
studied.  Moreover,  other  associations  must  be  considered 
to  get  a  basis  for  the  study  of  conditions  underlying  the  con- 
flict. 

Membership. —  The  National  Metal  Trades  Association 
has,  (September,  192 1)  in  the  eastern  half  of  the  United 
Slates  and  Canada,  a  membership  of  over  1000  concerns, 
which  employ  more  than  600,000  workers.^  Membership  is 
limited  to  those  manufacturers  of  metal  products  who  em- 
ploy machinists,  pattern  makers,  brass  workers,  copper- 
smiths, platers,  polishers,  bufifers,  iron  shipbuilders  and  shop- 
workers,  such  as  boilermakers,  structural  iron  workers,  mill- 
wrights, blacksmiths,  sheet-iron  workers,  pipe  fitters,  elec- 
trical workers,  carpenters,  etc.,  who  work  in  or  about  the 

98 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  99 

machine  shop,  and  handymen,  helpers  and  apprentices  to  the 
above.  In  these  classes,  there  are  in  the  shops  of  its  mem- 
bers, the  major  portion  of  the  total  employees,  namely  600,- 
000  workmen.  This  number  varies  with  slack  or  prosperous 
times.  No  firm  operating  under  an  agreement  with  the 
unions  in  the  trades  covered  by  the  Association's  classifica- 
tion, is  eligible  to  membership  in  the  N.  M.  T.  A.^ 

Structure  and  Government. —  The  territory  covered  by 
the  Association  is  divided  into  seventeen  districts.  There 
are  also  twenty-three  branches,  which  are  made  up  of  mem- 
bers of  the  national  organization,  and  which  have  staff  of- 
ficers, executive  committees,  and  other  machinery  necessary 
to  an  organization.*  While  one  district  has  five  branches, 
there  are  districts  which  have  none.  In  districts  without 
branches,  a  district  organization,  somewhat  resembling 
branch  organizations,  exists ;  and  in  districts  with  branch  or- 
ganizations, there  are  usually  non-branch  members. °  The 
district  organizations  are  directly  under  the  national  in  all 
matters,  while  the  branch  undertakes  activities  of  a  local 
nature  when  such  do  not  conflict  with  the  purposes  and  plans 
of  the  national.  The  branches  thus  have  functions  of  their 
own,  but  are  subject  to  the  national  and  so  form  an  integral 
part  of  it.®  This  is  an  element  of  strength  that  a  federation 
of  locals  does  not  possess. 

The  governing  machinery  of  the  Association  consists  of 
the  members  in  convention  or  acting  through  letter  ballots ; 
the  Administrative  Council,  which  is  elected ;  an  Executive 
Committee,  which  is  appointed  from  the  membership  of  the 
Administrative  Council ;  elective  officers  as  follows,  a  Presi- 
dent, two  Vice-Presidents,  and  a  Treasurer;  and  the  ap- 
pointive officers, —  a  Commissioner  and  a  Secretary.'^  The 
real  executive  officer  is  the  Commissioner;^  the  Executive 
Committee  discusses  plans  and  gives  instructions  to  the  Com- 
missioner and  his  assistants ;  and  the  Administrative  Council 
performs  many  judicial  functions.     There  is,  however,  no 


lOO  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

clear  division  of  powers  and  functions  on  the  lines  of  execu- 
tive, legislative,  and  judicial  activities,  since  such  would  tend 
to  destroy  the  efficient  operation  of  the  organization. 

The  Association  holds  its  annual  convention  in  April  at  a 
time  and  place  designated  by  the  Administrative  Council. 
Here  the  elective  officers  are  chosen  through  the  medium  of 
a  nominating  committee  and  the  vote  of  the  members  in  at- 
tendance or  represented  by  proxies.  Each  member  is  en- 
titled to  one  vote  for  every  operative  he  employs,  but  no 
member  may  cast  more  than  500  votes,  including  proxies. 
One-fifth  of  the  vote  of  the  Association  constitutes  a  quorum 
at  the  convention.^  In  addition  to  electing  officers,  the  con- 
vention has  presented  to  it  by  men  of  authority,  addresses 
on  vital  industrial  subjects.  Various  subjects  are  discussed 
at  length,  and  resolutions  are  passed  on  matters  affecting  the 
specific  attitude  of  the  Association  on  questions  of  impor- 
tance.^*^ 

Funds  and  Dues. —  The  funds  of  the  Association  are  di- 
vided into  a  general  fund,  to  be  used  for  ordinary  expenses, 
and  a  defense  fund,  to  be  used  for  defense  purposes.^ ^  The 
custom  of  the  Association  is  to  regard  as  the  general-fund 
income,  70  per  cent  of  the  returns  from  regular  assessments, 
and  to  pay  out  of  it  all  the  administrative  expenses  of  the  As- 
sociation in  its  various  activities.  Into  the  defense  fund  go 
the  initiation  fees,  the  special  assessments  for  that  fund  and 
30  per  cent  of  the  regular  assessments,  and  in  addition,  all 
that  is  not  needed  for  current  expenses. ^^  Against  this  fund 
are  charged  the  expenses  of  defending  the  members  against 
strikes.^  ^  The  defense  fund  has  been  built  up  and  main- 
tained at  a  substantial  amount,  as  a  war  chest.  But  these 
figures  are  no  longer  published.  "  It  has  been  the  policy  and 
the  custom  of  the  Association  for  a  number  of  years  for  the 
treasurer  not  to  present  the  figures  of  his  report  in  detail  to 
the  convention,"  because  the  leaders  fear  that,  through  the 
possibility  of  unexpected  leaks,  such  information  might  be 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  loi 

used  disadvantageously  to  the  Association  by  its  enemies.'* 
Obligations  of  Members. —  All  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation are  required  to  "  make,  execute  and  acknowledge  in 
writing  an  agreement  or  obligation  in  words  and  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

"We,  the  undersigned,  do  hereby  covenant  and  agree  to 
and  with  each  and  every  member  of  the  National  Metal  Trades 
Association  as  follows : 

"  Fair  dealing  being  a  cardinal  principle  of  this  Association, 
we  pledge  ourselves  to  be  governed  by  and  to  obey  its  Consti- 
tution and  By-Laws  and  all  proper  rules  in  conformity  there- 
with which  do  not  conflict  with  the  Laws  of  the  Country,  State 
or  Province  in  which  we  do  business."  " 

The  Objects  of  the  Association,  according  to  its  con- 
stitution are: 

"(i)  To  secure  and  preserve  equitable  conditions  in  the 
workshops  of  members  for  the  protection  of  both  employer 
and  employee. 

"(2)  Investigation  and  adjustment  of  questions  arising  be- 
tween members  and  their  employees  which  may  come  within 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Association."  " 

Formerly  it  had  as  one  of  its  stated  objects,  and  which 
even  now  it  observes  in  practice : 

"  To  foster  such  methods  as  will  make  for  the  betterment  of 
their  employees  and  their  dependents;  as,  for  instance,  im- 
proved methods  of  industrial  education,  and  sane  and  whole- 
some local,  state  and  national  legislation."  ^^ 

Principles. —  And  in  accordance  with  these  objects,  the 
Association  has  adopted  the  following  Declaration  of  Prin- 
ciples, to  govern  the  relations  of  members  to  their  employees : 

"  Concerning  Employees,  i.  Since  we,  as  employers,  are  re- 
sponsible for  the  work  turned  out  by  our  workmen,  we  must 
have  full  discretion  to  designate  the  men  we  consider  competent 

LIBRARY" 


I02  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

to  perform  the  work  and  to  determine  the  conditions  under 
which  that  work  shall  be  prosecuted,  the  question  of  the  com- 
petency of  the  men  being  determined  solely  by  us.  While  dis- 
avowing any  intention  to  interfere  with  the  proper  functions 
of  labor  organizations,  we  will  not  admit  of  any  interference 
with  the  management  of  our  business. 

"  Strikes  and  Lockouts.  2.  This  Association  disapproves  of 
strikes  and  lockouts  in  the  settlement  of  industrial  disputes. 
This  Association  will  not  countenance  a  lockout,  unless  all  rea- 
sonable means  of  adjustment  have  failed ;  neither  will  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Association  deal  with  striking  employees  as  a  body. 
"  Relations  of  Employees.  3.  Every  workman  who  elects  to 
work  in  a  shop  will  be  required  to  work  peaceably  and  har- 
moniously with  all  his  fellow  employees,  and  to  work  loyally 
for  the  interests  of  his  employer. 

"Apprentices,  etc.  4.  The  number  of  apprentices,  helpers 
and  handymen  to  be  employed  will  be  determined  solely  by  the 
employer. 

"  Methods  and  Wages.  5.  We  will  not  permit  employees  to 
place  any  restriction  on  the  management,  methods  or  produc- 
tion of  our  shops,  and  will  require  a  fair  day's  work  for  a 
fair  day's  pay. 

"  Employees  will  be  paid  by  the  hourly  rate,  by  premium  sys- 
tem, piece  work  or  contract,  as  the  employers  may  elect. 

"Freedom  of  Employment.  6.  It  is  the  privilege  of  the 
employee  to  leave  our  employ  whenever  he  sees  fit,  and  it  is 
the  privilege  of  the  employer  to  discharge  any  workman  when 
he  sees  fit. 

"  Concerning  Disagreements.  7.  The  above  principles  be- 
ing absolutely  essential  to  the  successful  conduct  of  our  busi- 
ness, we  cannot  permit  the  operation  of  our  business  there- 
under to  be  interfered  with.  In  case  of  disagreement,  con- 
cerning matters  not  covered  by  the  foregoing  declaration  and 
not  affecting  the  economic  integrity  of  the  industry,  we  advise 
our  members  to  meet  such  of  their  employees  who  may  be  af- 
fected by  such  disagreement  and  endeavor  to  adjust  the  dif- 
ficulty on  a  fair  and  equitable  basis. 

"  8.  In  the  payment  of  hourly  wages  or  in  the  operation  of 
piece  work,  premium  plan,  or  contract  system,  this  Association 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  103 

will  not  countenance  any  conditions  of  wages  which  are  not 
just,  or  which  will  not  allow  a  workman  a  fair  wage  in  pro- 
portion to  his  efficiency.^® 

The  attitude  of  the  Association  towards  the  unions  was 
stated  more  pointedly  in  1912  by  President  Caldwell:  "  Our 
Association  stands  as  firmly  as  ever  in  opposition  to  the  at- 
tempts of  labor  unions  to  fasten  upon  the  industries  of  this 
country  uneconomic  conditions,  which  would  make  the  sit- 
uation of  the  employer  and  the  self-respecting  employee  in- 
tolerable, and  bring  certain  destruction  to  the  manufactur- 
ing interests  of  our  country.  So  long  as  American  labor 
unions,  as  a  part  of  their  fundamental  purposes,  insist  upon 
the  restriction  of  output,  the  limitation  of  apprentices,  the 
minimum  wage,  and  the  closed  shop,  and  so  long  as  they 
seek  to  shorten  the  workday  upon  grounds  other  than  real 
benefit  to  the  industry  and  the  workmen,  and  so  long  as  they 
countenance  violence  as  a  means  of  obtaining  their  end,  just 
so  long  will  they  be  opposed  by  our  Association  firmly  and 
with  unrelaxed  vigilance."  ^^ 

This  Declaration  of  Principles  and  President  Caldwell's 
statement  of  attitude  make  it  evident  that  the  Association  is 
unmistakably  belligerent  in  character,  although  it  was  not  so 
when  first  organized.  Its  change  from  a  policy  of  dealing 
with  closed-shop  unions  to  fighting  them,  is  a  part  of  the 
evolution  of  the  Association.^^  A  brief  history  of  the  or- 
ganization will  show  the  evolution  in  policies,  structure  and 
activities. ^^ 

Evolution. —  As  a  result  of  the  Pattern  Makers'  strike 
called  on  July  3,  1899,  in  all  the  pattern-making  shops  in 
New  York  City  and  Brooklyn,  a  meeting  of  the  employers 
of  the  pattern  makers  was  arranged  for,  and  in  this  and  sub- 
sequent meetings  a  gentlemen's  agreement  was  drawn  up 
and  signed  by  thirty  employers,  who  agreed  to  make  no  con- 
cessions to  the  strikers.  The  strike  was  fought  vigorously, 
but  as  the  fight  went  on,  the  employers  realized  more  and 


104  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

more  that  the  organization  was  too  informal.  So  they  pro- 
ceeded in  a  series  of  meetings  to  effect  a  more  formal  organ- 
ization and  to  make  it  permanent.  Finally,  on  August  24, 
1899,  a  constitution  modeled  somewhat  after  those  of  the 
Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association,  and  the 
National  Founders'  Association,  was  adopted.  Th*e  new 
Association,  like  those  which  it  used  as  models,  was  negotia- 
tory  in  character,  although  both  it  and  the  National  Found- 
ers' Associations  have  since  then  broken  off  permanently 
all  negotiations  with  the  unions.* 

By  1 901,  the  Association  had  become  national  in  scope, 
and  was  involved  in  that  year  in  a  series  of  struggles  with 
the  unions  with  which  it  had  been  dealing.  These  struggles 
were  carried  on  in  several  large  cities.^^  The  agreement 
made  with  the  International  Association  of  Machinists  on 
May  18,  1900,  was  declared  void  at  a  special  convention 
called  in  June,  1901,  on  the  ground  that  the  unions,  national 
and  local,  refused  to  arbitrate  differences  as  required  in 
the  agreement.  The  special  convention  then  adopted  a  Dec- 
laration of  Principles,^^ — revised  in  1916  —  and  since  that 
date,  1901,  the  Association  has  consistently  refused  to  enter 
into  trade  agreements  with  any  union.  As  it  has  had  a 
more  or  less  continuous  fight  with  the  unions  from  that 
date,  it  has  modified  its  form  of  organization  and  widened 
its  field  of  activity  until  now  it  attempts  to  supplant  the 
unions  by  trying  to  do  more  for  the  welfare  of  the  inde- 
pendent worker  than  the  unions  do  for  their  members. 

Among  the  changes  in  structure,  one  that  will  perhaps 
illustrate  well  the  general  changes,  is  to  be  found  in  the  re- 

*  An  account  of  its  early  history,  also  that  of  the  National  Founders' 
Association  and  of  the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  of 
New  York,  may  be  found  in  the  Quarterly  Journal  of  Economics  XX: 
119-29,  129-43.  This  article,  although  badly  out-of-date,  has  been  one 
of  the  main  references  on  employers'  associations  given  to  students  of 
labor  problems,  and  has,  accordingly,  caused  many  erroneous  opinions 
about  these  associations  to  exist. 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  105 

lations  of  branches  to  the  national.  Formerly  the  branches 
were  much  in  the  nature  of  locals  and  the  national  body 
largely  a  federation  in  so  far  as  they  were  concerned.  To- 
day the  national  is  distinctly  the  parent  organization,  with 
the  branches  as  its  component  parts,  subordinate  in  all  but 
purely  local  matters.^"*  For  some  time,  a  number  of  the 
local  associations  were  not  in  full  harmony  with  the  policy 
of  the  national,  since  they  dealt  directly  and  had  agreements 
with  labor  organizations.  For  instance,  the  Chicago  Metal 
Trades  Association  did  not  break  with  the  union  until  1904.^^ 
In  June,  1906,  however,  no  member  of  the  Association  had 
any  working  trade  agreement  with  labor  organizations  in 
the  line  of  work  covered  by  the  Association.^®  Since  mat- 
ters usually  considered  strictly  local  frequently  have  a  vital 
influence  on  the  affairs  of  the  national  organization,  it  is 
probable  that  greater  co-ordination  could  be  secured  through 
complete  supervision  of  the  branches  by  the  national  body  — 
in  fact,  agitation  for  the  appointment  of  the  secretaries  by 
the  national  organization  has  begun.^"^  However,  since  the 
branches  advise  with  the  Commissioner  on  even  local  mat- 
ters when  of  importance,  and  generally  follow  his  advice, 
the  co-ordination  is  excellent  in  all  but  matters  of  omission, 
or  neglect.2*  Probably  the  use  of  labor  bureaus  conducted 
by  the  branches  is  one  of  the  most  marked  characteristics  of 
this  Association,  since  these  bureaus  are  effectively  employed 
by  the  national  body  in  combating  strikes.  The  most  impor- 
tant function  of  the  branch  employment  bureau,  however,  is 
the  finding  of  suitable  positions  for  the  workers  without 
charge. 

In  the  matter  of  fees  and  dues  charged  by  the  Association, 
there  has  been  a  notable  change. ^^  Formerly  a  member 
might  elect  to  pay  as  an  initiation  fee,  a  sum  in  such  propor- 
tion to  the  unexpended  balance  of  the  reserve  or  defense 
fund  as  the  number  of  operatives  employed  by  him  bore  to 
the  total  number  employed  by  all  the  members  according  to 


lo6  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  last  quarterly  report  made  previous  to  his  election  as  a 
member.^^     Suppose  for  the  sake  of  illustration,  that  the 
new  member  employed  500  operatives,  that  there  were  50,- 
000  operatives  reported  by  all  members,  and  that  the  unex- 
pended balance  in  the  reserve  fund  was  $100,000,  then  the 
new  member  would  have  paid  in  as  a  sort  of  deposit  and 
guaranty  of  fair  dealing  to  the  Association,  the  sum  of 
$1,000.     As  an  alternative,  he  could  have  paid  a  flat  initia- 
tion fee  of  $25  but  he  would  have  no  right  to  a  refund  should 
he  resign  from  the  Association.     At  present,  the  initiation 
fee  is  $50,  but  the  member  is  still  bound  to  repay  to  the 
Association  all  the  money  which  the  Association  may  have 
expended  in  defending  him  in  a  strike,  should  he  settle  the 
strike  without  the  consent  of  the  administrative  council,  or 
contrary  to  the  Principles  of  the  Association.*^     Besides  the 
fee  for  initiation,  members  pay  quarterly,  a  regular  assess- 
ment based  on  the  number  of  operatives  under  the  Asso- 
ciation's classification,  which  assessment  may  not  exceed  the 
sum  of  twenty  cents  per  operative  per  month.     However, 
should  an  emergency  arise,  the  administrative  council  may 
levy  a  special  assessment  such  as  the  exigencies  of  the  Asso- 
ciation may  require.     On  the  other  hand,  a  minimum  quar- 
terly assessment  of  $5  has  been  established,  which  at  the  time 
it  was  placed  in  operation,  reduced  considerably  the  number 
of  small  employer  members.*^  *     Previous  to  the  adoption 
of  the  present  constitution  in  1909,  there  were  no  limita- 
tions as  to  the  amount  levied  by  either  regular  or  special  as- 
sessments.    Provision  is  made  for  a  rebate  to  the  branch  by 
the  national  organization  of  one-half  of  the  dues  paid  by 
the  members  connected  with  the  branch.     The  branch  is 
required  to  maintain  an  efficient  organization  and  labor  bu- 

* "  This  minimum  was  fixed,  not  with  any  idea  of  eliminating  the 
smaller  employer,  but  rather  to  help  cover  the  actual  cost  of  carrying 
the  member  in  the  Association.  We  have  a  considerable  number  of 
members  who  pay  the  minimum  assessment  and  the  amount  involved, 
$20.00  per  year,  does  not  work  a  hardship  on  them."     (D(7)'20  Letter.) 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  107 

reau  under  the  supervision  of  the  administrative  council  of 
the  national,  and  the  branch  secretary  is  to  be  likewise  un- 
der this  supervision  in  all  but  local  matters.  If  these  condi- 
tions are  complied  with  the  rebate  must  be  made.  "  Local 
Branches  may  levy,  for  local  purposes,  such  regular  and  spe- 
cial assessments  as  their  Executive  Committees  may,  re- 
spectively, determine  to  be  necessary  for  the  support  of  the 
Branches."  ^^ 

Other  evidences  of  the  evolution  of  the  Association  are 
to  be  found  in  the  change  of  its  schedule  of  committees  and 
in  its  Declaration  of  Principles  in  1916.  It  had  in  1905, 
committees  on  hours  and  wages,  and  on  strikes  and  lock- 
outs.^* Today,  it  has  no  such  committees,  since  the  regu- 
lar machinery  of  the  Association  takes  care  of  these  mat- 
ters. In  1 91 6,  the  Association  changed  its  Declaration  of 
Principles  so  that  the  former  restrictions  on,  and  provisions 
for  the  arbitration  of  diflFerences,  and  the  statement  that 
wages  and  hours  were  local  matters,  were  eliminated  from 
the  Principles.^'^ 

The  above  instances  of  the  changes  made  by  the  Associa- 
tion are  fairly  indicative  of  its  general  evolution.  Let  us 
now  turn  to  some  of  its  present  methods  and  activities,  and 
consider  these  under  the  general  headings,  ( i )  combating 
strikes,  (2)  preventing  strikes,  (3)  legislative  and  polit- 
ical activities,  and  (4)  welfare  work. 

Combating  Strikes. —  The  Association  has  combated  a 
large  number  of  strikes,  and  has  been  uniformly  successful, 
for,  in  the  strict  sense  of  the  word,  it  has  never  lost  a  strike. 
In  fact,  the  claim  is  made  that,  "  No  strikes  of  any  moment 
have  been  won  by  the  machinists'  union  since  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  National  Metal  Trades  Association."  ^"  In  a 
few  cases,  it  has  had  members  who  compromised  with  the 
union,  but  they  were  immediately  expelled,  or  found  it  ex- 
pedient to  resign,  and  had  they  not  compromised,  the  Asso- 
ciation would  have  won  the  strikes  for  them.^^     During  the 


io8  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

year  1915-16,  the  Association  dealt  with  the  strikes  in  the 
shops  of  71  of  its  members,  and  to  quote  Commissioner  Hib- 
bard,  "  in  addition,  the  officers  were  frequently  called  upon 
to  counsel  and  advise  employers  confronted  by  labor  troubles 
who  were  not  members  of  the  Association.     No  issue  was 
compromised  and  in  every  case  where  the  employer  desired 
to   maintain   the   Open   Shop   conditions,   they   were   pre- 
served." ^^     For  1916-17,  Commissioner  Hibbard  reported, 
"  During  the  year  the  shops  of  73  of  our  members  were 
struck.     All  of  these  were  successfully  combated  and  at  the 
present  time  but  two  remain  which  in  any  way  need  our  at- 
tention." ^^     In  the  year  19 17-18,  the  Association  had  fewer 
than  half  the  number  of  strikes  that  it  had  in  either  of  the 
previous  two  years,  and  in  the  year  19 18-19,  it  had  only  nine 
strikes  to  combat,  but  in  1919-20,  it  experienced  labor  dif- 
ficulties in  56  shops  involving  16,000  employees.     "  During 
the  latter  part  of  April,  1920,  the  International  Association- 
of  Machinists  called  a  general  strike  in  Cincinnati  involving 
some  68  plants.     The  direct  object  of  this  attack  was  to 
close  those  shops  to  all  nonunion  machinists.     This  strike 
lasted  for  about  five  months  after  which  it  was  officially 
called  ofif  by  the  I.  A.  of  M.  without  gaining  a  single  con- 
cession for  the  striking  machinists.     This  strike  was  un- 
doubtedly the  most  severe  test  to  which  the  National  Metal 
Trades  Association  has  ever  been  subjected,  involving  as  it 
did  some  six  thousand  employees  and  practically  its  entire 
membership  in  that  vicinity."  ^^    Both  the  Union  and  the  As- 
sociation regarded  the  issues  a  national  matter.     The  Union 
had  undertaken  an  extensive  organization  campaign,  and  had 
made  Cincinnati  the  beginning  point.     The  Association  rec- 
ognized the  situation  immediately  and  met  the  issue.   Among 
the  100  struck  companies  were  49  of  its  members.     In  that 
year,  1920—21,  the  Association  combated  15  other  strikes.*" 
Methods. —  The  Association  has  reduced  the  combating 
of  strikes  to  a  science.     It  has  a  skilled  corps  of  officers  and 
assistants  who  advise  the  member  as  to  the  conduct  of  his 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  109 

shop  in  labor  troubles  or  when  trouble  is  threatened."*^  That 
this  advice  and  assistance  are  effective  is  evidenced  by  the 
fact  that  workmen  on  strike  have  returned  to  work  when 
informed  by  the  Association's  officers  how  it  combated 
strikes.''^  According  to  one  of  its  advertisements,  "  It  gives 
its  members  advice  in  handling  union  demands  and  strikes ; 
it  furnishes  the  men  and  the  money  to  break  unjust  strikes ; 
it  prevents  individual  manufacturers  being  singled  out, 
trapped,  bullied  or  blackmailed  by  walking  delegates. 
Standing  back  to  back,  its  members  are  prepared  to  resist 
aggressions  on  any  side.  Besides  it  operates  a  national  em- 
ployment department  for  the  benefit  of  both  employers  and 
employees."  "**  Although  varying  with  conditions,  its  ordi- 
nary procedure  when  the  employer  has  not  violated  the  Dec- 
laration of  Principles,  is  somewhat  as  follows :  ^^  As  soon 
as  a  member  learns  of  trouble  impending  in  his  shop,  he  noti- 
fies the  branch  or  main  office,  or  both,  frequently  by  tele- 
phone, later  by  a  full  written  notice,"*^  of  the  character  of 
the  trouble  and  the  probable  number  of  men  involved.  The 
secretary  of  the  branch  or  commissioner  at  the  main  office 
advises  the  member  what  steps  to  take.  If  these  fail  to 
bring  about  an  adjustment,  the  member  notifies  the  Asso- 
ciation officers  as  soon  as  the  workmen  walk  out.  The  sec- 
retary of  the  nearest  branch,  through  the  branch  labor  bu- 
reau, proceeds  when  so  instructed  to  secure  workmen  to 
work  in  the  struck  shop.^®  The  aim  of  its  officers  is  to  keep 
the  plant  in  operation  or  at  least  to  start  it  as  quickly  as  pos- 
sible if  all  reasonable  efforts  have  failed. ^^  In  the  main 
office,  there  is  also  a  labor  bureau.  In  these  bureaus  are  the 
records  of  hundreds  of  thousands  of  men.^"  and  from  these 
it  is  usually  possible  to  pick  out  and  notify  promptly  a  suf- 
ficient number  of  men  to  supply  the  struck  shop.  Certificate 
men  *^  constitute  a  large  reserve  force  of  men  loyal  to  the 
Association,  and  they  can  be  depended  upon  to  go  to  any 
shop  and  stay  through  the  most  bitter  strike."*^  Guards  are 
also  supplied,^"   generally  through  the  branches,  and  are 


no  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

placed  in  charge  of  a  chief  guard,  or  special  representative.^^ 
These  men  try  to  counteract  the  activities  of  the  union  slug- 
gers, and  guard  duty  becomes  more  strenuous  as  police  pro- 
tection proves  less  efificient.^^     When  police  protection  fails 
entirely,  not  only  are  guards  employed  in  numbers,  but  also 
a  commissary  is  established  ^^  and  the  nonunion  workmen 
given   board   and   sleeping   quarters   within   the   factory,*** 
which  may  itself  be  surrounded  by  a  stockade.     Then  the 
Association  may  need  to  have  a  special  car  provided  for  the 
transportation   of   the   independent   workmen,   and   special 
police  to  disperse  the  parading  strikers  before  the  nonunion- 
ists  can  use  the  car  to  go  to  the  struck  shop,  as  was  the  case 
in  the  strike  on  the  Mead-Morrison  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany.^^     In  such  strikes,  injunction  suits  have  been  brought, 
usually  in  the  name  of  the  struck  member,  but  in  many  cases 
at  the  expense  of  the  Association,  and  these  have  resulted  in 
strong  decisions  on  the  right  of  the  employer  to  employ 
whomsoever  he  pleases. ^^     Picketing  especially  has  been  re- 
strained.^^    To  keep  members  in  line  in  struck  localities,  the 
Association  has  kept  the  affected  members  continually  in- 
formed by  mail,  wire  and  otherwise  of  any  changes  in  the 
strike    situation.     Even   non-members   have   likewise   been 
kept  informed. ^^     The  secret  service  of  the  Association  has 
enabled  it  to  know  most  of  the  union  plans  before  they  could 
be  put  into  operation.^''     If  the  branch  nearest  the  struck 
shop  and  the  employer  himself  cannot  secure  sufficient  non- 
union men  to  operate  the  shop,  metal  workers  may  be  adver- 
tised for,  or  obtained  from  other  branches,^*^  or  by  employ- 
ment agents  sent  to  various  large  cities.^^     Normally,  men 
are  drawn  from  the  neighborhood,  but  in  serious  difficulties, 
the  cost  of  transportation  from  remote  branches  for  new 
v/orkmen  is  disregarded.     The  regulations  of  the  Adminis- 
trative Council  relating  to  strikes,  are : 

"  The  assistance  and  support  given  by  the  Association  will  be 
furnished  for  such  length  of  time,  or  reduced  or  discontinued 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  in 

or  qualified,  as  may  be  deemed  advisable  by  the  Administra- 
tive Council  of  the  Association. 

"  In  consideration  of  the  assistance  rendered  by  the  Asso- 
ciation, the  members  agree  to  pay  to  any  men  furnished  by 
the  Association  not  less  than  the  hourly  or  weekly  wage  paid 
like  employees  previous  to  the  difficulty,  misunderstanding,  or 
dispute,  or  even  such  hourly  or  weekly  wage  as  is  considered 
equitable  by  the  Administrative  Council  of  the  Association. 
The  member  agrees  either  to  board  men  furnished  by  the  Asso- 
ciation or  further  to  pay  to  such  men  the  equivalent  of  such 
board,  provided  such  procedure  is  necessary  in  the  judgment  of 
the  Administrative  Council  of  the  Association. 

"  The  member  shall  not  and  will  not  make  any  settlement, 
or  adjustment  with  its  employees  or  their  representatives  or 
committee,  or  with  any  labor  union  or  representatives  of  such 
union,  without  the  full  knowledge  and  written  assent  of  the 
Administrative  Council  of  the  Association,  acting  through  its 
Commissioner. 

"  The  member  is  further  to  understand  that  for  a  period  of 
one  year  from  the  date  on  which  the  difficulty,  misunderstand- 
ing, or  dispute  is  declared  off,  or  on  which  it  ceases  to  interfere 
with  the  continuous  conduct  of  the  business  of  the  member, 
it  shall  and  will  conduct  its  business  affected  by  such  difficulty, 
misunderstanding,  or  dispute,  on  the  open  shop  plan ;  or,  fail- 
ing to  do  so,  agrees  to  pay  to  said  Association  all  expense  in- 
curred in  its  behalf  by  the  Association  in  the  difficulty,  mis- 
understanding, or  dispute. 

"  The  assistance  and  support  given  by  the  Association  under 
these  conditions  is  to  be  received  and  accepted  by  the  member 
in  full  consideration  and  discharge  of  any  and  all  demands  or 
claims  which  the  member  may,  at  the  time  of  the  strike  or 
thereafter,  have  against  the  Association  because  of  said  dif- 
ficulty, misunderstanding,  or  dispute. 

"  In  consideration  of  furnishing  the  relief  specified  above, 
the  member  shall  undertake  and  agree  to  protect  and  indem- 
nify the  Association  from  any  liability  whatsoever  for  indus- 
trial accidents  or  any  injuries  of  any  character  whatever  to  any 
employees  who  may  be  supplied  by  the  Association  and  to  re- 
imburse fully  the  Association  for  any  damages  or  expenses  in 


112  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

defending  claims  for  damages  arising  out  of  such  relation. 
This  stipulation  is  to  apply  whether  all  or  a  part  of  the  com- 
pensation of  such  employees  is  paid  by  the  Association."  ^^ 

•  Such  in  general  is  the  plan  for  combating  strikes  made 
use  of  by  the  Association.  Since  it  has  handled  as  high  as 
87  strikes  at  one  time,  it  is  evident  that  only  a  general  strike 
called  in  a  majority  of  the  plants  of  the  members,  could 
stampede  the  Association  —  a  thing  which  is  largely  fore- 
stalled by  the  Association's  preventive  measures.  Not 
even  the  "  imperative  circumstances "  of  the  War  could 
stampede  the  Association.^^ 

The  Association  has  two  distinctively  different  general 
plans  for  preventing  strikes,  one  of  which  is  concerned  with 
the  immediate  prevention,**^  the  other  with  future  preven- 
tion. The  first  is  considered  as  defensive,  the  latter  as 
constructive. 

Preventing  Strikes;  Special  Contract  Operatives. — 
As    a    defensive    measure,    the  Association    has  provided 
a    secret    service    system,    by    which    members    can    have 
placed   in  their   shops   special  contract   operatives'^    who 
will    report    on    the    loyalty    of    the    workmen,  and    even 
of    foremen.     Through    these,    the    employer    can    learn 
of    any    agitator    in    the    shop    almost    as    soon    as    the 
agitation    begins,'"'     for    the    special     contract     operator 
works  in  the  shop  as  an  ordinary  workman,  but  as  he  is 
skilled  in  the  detection  of  agitators,  he  will  form  acquaint- 
anceship with  the   suspects,   and  will  probably   be  among 
the  first  approached  with  any  proposals  for  striking  or  for 
making  the  shop  a  closed  one.     These  special  operatives 
are  of  service  to  the  employer  when  men  are  to  be  laid  off 
because  of  slack  wofk,®*^  or  when  new  men  are  being  taken 
on,  either  on  account  of  reviving  business,  or  after  a  strike  is 
over."*     Sometimes  the  action  is  drastic  and  many  agita- 
tors are  discharged.^^     A  special  contract  operative  at  such 
times  proves  of  great  value  to  the  employer  in  selecting 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  113 

workmen  who  are  strictly  loyal,  or  at  least,  who  do  not  be- 
long to  the  class  that  carries  on  openly  or  secretly  an 
agitation  inimical  to  the  employer's  interest.'*' 

Other  Preventive  Measures. —  Another  preventive 
measure  is  to  have  the  member  refer  any  representatives  of 
organized  labor  who  call  on  him  to  the  Commissioner's  office 
and  not  hold  any  conferences  with  them,^^  for,  "  expe- 
rience has  demonstrated  that  much  trouble  and  annoyance 
can  be  avoided  by  this  manner  of  proceeding."  '^  Mem- 
bers are  requested  to  submit  to  the  Commissioner's  office  and, 
if  branch  members,  to  their  local  secretary,  previous  to  dis- 
cussion or  argument,  any  collective  demands  which  may  be 
made  upon  them  by  their  employees.  Members  are  also 
cautioned  to  be  careful,  in  times  of  unrest,  not  to  make  any 
statements  or  to  take  any  action  which  can  be  misconstrued 
by  either  their  employees  or  representatives  of  organized 
labor,  so  that  no  feeling  of  distrust  may  be  created  or  the 
unrest  increased."  The  Constitution  provides  specifically 
that  "  No  member  of  this  Association  shall  wilfully  provoke 
a  strike,"  '^*  A  set  of  instructions  to  members  urges  them 
always  to  make  it  a  point  to  refuse  to  meet  any  representa- 
tive of  organized  labor,  on  the  grounds  that  such  meetings, 
as  a  general  rule,  result  in  nothing  but  harm,  and  seldom  are 
correctly  reported  to  the  public  by  the  labor  representatives. 
These  instructions  also  admonish  members  to  avoid  pub- 
licity in  times  of  trouble,  in  order  to  prevent  the  unions  from 
placing  the  employer  in  an  unfair  light  through  the  daily 
press,  through  a  misinterpretation  of  his  statements.  It  is 
suggested  to  members  that  they  pay  absolutely  no  attention 
to  false  statements  by  the  union,  and  make  no  attempt  to  re- 
fute them.  Again,  prompt  notice  to  the  Commissioner,  at 
the  first  intimation  of  unrest  on  the  part  of  the  employees, 
is  regarded  as  the  employer's  duty,  since  this  notice  enables 
the  Association  promptly  to  take  advance  action  to  prevent 
serious  trouble.     In  fact,  the  Association  frequently  fore- 


114  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

stalls  large  strikes  through  these  measures.     The  employer 
is  counseled  to  give  his  personal  and  careful  attention  to  the 
labor  conditions  in  his  shop,  in  order  to  give  that  notice 
promptly,  and  also  to  prevent  conditions  unfair  to  his  em- 
ployees from  creeping  into  his  business.     Finally,  he  is  ad- 
vised to  advance  deserving  employees,  and  to  keep  himself 
informed  regularly  of  the  deserving  employees,  so  that  he 
will  at  all  times  pay  a  fair  wage  for  a  fair  day's  work.^^ 
The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  "  has  always  urged 
its  members  to  pay  the  highest  prevailing  wages  commensu- 
rate with  skill  and  productivity  —  a  good  day's  wages  for 
an  honest  day's  work  —  and  will  not  permit  conditions  of 
wages  in  the  shops  of  its  members  which  are  unjust  or 
which  will  not  allow  the  workman  a  fair  wage  in  propor- 
tion to  his  efficiency.     It  has  always  advocated  and  insisted 
upon  the  maintenance  of  wholesome  shop  conditions  and 
considerate  dealing  with  employees."  ^®     Its  President  has 
urged  that  the  productivity  of  the  individual  employee  should 
be  the  basis  for  determining  wages,  and  has  attacked  the 
"  cost-of-living  "  basis  as  fallacious  and  disastrous.'^     For 
the  purpose  of  eliminating  agitators  and  agitation,  the  Com- 
missioner has  made  the  following  recommendations  to  mem- 
bers to  act  on  in  times  of  depression:     "  Voluntary  adjust- 
ments of  wages,  where  proper  and  deserving;  a  careful  ex- 
amination of  the  sanitary  and  safety  conditions  and  of  work- 
ing hours,  as  compared  with  others;  the  retaining  of  faith- 
ful, competent  and  loyal  employees,  and  the  discharge  of 
those  who  cannot  be  so  described,  will  do  much  to  lessen  the 
likelihood  of  trouble  later  on."  ^^     Undoubtedly,  by  these 
measures,  the  Association  tends  to  reduce  agitation  and  un- 
rest and  so  prevent  strikes. 

If  the  employer  increases  wages  voluntarily  as  the  demand 
for  labor  increases,  the  union  will  lose  part  of  its  ground 
for  agitation.  Accordingly,  the  members  of  the  Associa- 
tion have  been  urged  to  increase  wages  as  the  demand  for 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  115 

labor  increases,  because  it  is  good  business,  as  it  will  keep 
the  employees  in  the  shop  of  the  member  instead  of  driving 
them  into  other  shops;  it  will  keep  them  contented  and 
1  eady  to  work  with  hearty  good  will ;  it  will  keep  his  product 
up  to  the  standard  and  practice  of  the  time  by  enabling  him 
to  retain  his  efficient  workmen;  and  if  practised  continuously 
will  make  him  immune  from  strikes  and  their  consequences. 
So  the  counsel  runs,  and  furthermore  the  member  is  in- 
formed that  in  general  the  wise  policy  for  the  manufacturer 
is  to  pay  his  employees  the  best  wages  that  he  can  afford 
to  pay.  Finally,  the  Association  warns  its  members  that  it 
does  not  extend  its  protection  against  ordinary  wage 
strikes."^^ 

As  the  unions  often  point  to  high  wages  in  one  locality 
as  a  reason  for  equally  high  wages  elsewhere,  the  Associa- 
tion has  on  occasions  deemed  it  advisable  to  prepare  statis- 
tical tables  of  wages  paid  to  workmen  coming  under  its 
classification  of  operatives.  The  members  send  in  the  in- 
formation as  to  wages  in  their  own  shops,  and  this  is  com- 
piled in  the  main  office,  and  the  booklet  or  schedule  mailed 
to  the  members  in  confidence.^"  The  Association  does  this 
as  a  national  function,  although  it  regards  the  question  of 
hours  and  wages  as  matters  for  the  branches  to  deal  with, 
and  will  not  combat  a  strike  where  the  demand  is  purely 
for  wages  which  are  not  considered  excessive.  This  hand- 
book or  schedule  of  wages  also  enables  the  member  to  judge 
whether  he  is  paying  the  fair  wage  required  by  the  Declara- 
tion of  Principles,  but  undoubtedly  its  greatest  function  is  in 
preventing  strikes,  by  giving  the  employer  the  information 
how  best  to  meet  agitation  for  increased  wages. 

Similar  to  this  is  the  advice  that  the  Commissioner  has 
given  to  certain  members  about  reducing  the  hours  of  work 
in  a  day  without  reducing  the  daily  wage,  for,  this  means  in 
practice  an  increase  in  the  hourly  wage.  The  Association 
lias  also  compiled  a  table  of  the  hours  per  week  worked  in 


ii6  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  shops  of  its  members  —  to  show  that  the  unions  had 
failed  in  their  agitation  for  the  forty-four-hour  week  during 
the  years  1914-1919, —  of  532  members  that  reported  hours 
of  labor  in  19 19,  96^2  per  cent  worked  50  hours  or  more 
per  week,  but  in  1920,  of  557  members  who  reported,  76  per 
cent  worked  over  48  hours  a  week,  20  per  cent  48  hours  a 
week,  and  only  four  per  cent  less  than  48  hours  a  week.*^ 
Apparently,  members  of  the  Association  have  found  it  ad- 
visable to  grant  a  shorter  work  day. 

Also,  the  Association,  through  strike  committees,  has  pre- 
vented non-members  of  the  Association  from  making  agree- 
ments with  the  union,  or  from  acceding  to  the  union's  de- 
mands, since,  such  action  would  give  the  union  a  leverage 
to  force  the  Association  members  into  an  undersirable  po- 
sition where  either  great  losses  to  the  member  or  capitula- 
tion to  the  union  might  follow.     As  every  defeat  of  the 
union  tends  to  weaken  it  just  as  every  victory  tends  to 
strengthen  it,  the  Association  has  combated  strikes  for  non- 
members  or  probationary  members  at  their  expense.^^     It 
is  a  logical  part  of  this  program  that  the  Association  has 
been  carrying  out  when  it  has  endeavored  to  have  the  rail- 
road machine  shops  made  open  shops,  for  unionized  rail- 
road machine  shops  have  proven  to  be  a  stronghold  of  the 
machinists'  union  from  which  it  has  made  raids  on  Asso- 
ciation members.     In  order  to  get  the  railroads  to  co-operate 
with  the  Association  in  this  matter,  provisions  have  been 
made  to  extend  to  them  the  Association's  facilities,^^  and 
leaders  of  the  Association  have  urged  the  necessity  of  an 
appeal  to  the  investor,  the  banker,^^  and  Wall  Street,  since 
if  these  could  be  made  to  see  the  results  of  allowing  the  rail- 
road shops  to  be  unionized,  they  would  probably  demand 
that  railroad  managers  declare  for  the  open  shop.     For  ex- 
ample, one  of  its  leaders  thus  expresses  the  situation:     "If 
Wall  Street  could  be  convinced  that  the  Open  Shop  means 
increased  peace  and  harmony  to  the  employees,  and   in- 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  117 

creased  dividends  to  the  owners  of  railroad  stock,  much 
good  would  result."  ®^  This  is  a  natural  development  of 
the  attempts  of  the  Association  to  prevent  the  union  from 
crushing  a  single  employer  by  concentration  of  forces  upon 
him,  through  a  draft  for  funds  upon  the  thousands  of  union 
members  employed  in  other  shops.  The  development  has 
come  through  the  fusing  of  local  associations  into  the 
national  organization,  since  a  local  association  engaged  in 
a  strike  contest  single-handed,  would  have  a  big  financial 
proposition  on  its  hands. ^®  Yet  in  order  to  get  quick  ac- 
tion in  case  of  trouble,  some  sort  of  local  organization  has 
been  deemed  necessary  for  protection.^^  For  instance,  it 
cost  the  Association  in  the  year  1906-07,  the  sum  of  $83,- 
270.43  to  handle  59  strikes,  and  in  1907-08,  the  sum  of  $86,- 
450.40  to  handle  98  strikes.**  As  strikes  are  generally  con- 
fined to  one  or  two  localities  in  a  year  for  any  industry,  it 
is  apparent  that  a  local  alone  would  have  a  large  financial 
burden  to  bear  in  the  year  that  strikes  became  prevalent  in 
its  territory.  Now,  if  the  Association  could  enlist  the 
railroad  shops  in  the  open-shop  cause,  not  only  would  the 
unions  be  weakened,  but  the  risks  would  be  better  distributed. 
The  Association  may  well  be  called  a  mutual  insurance  com- 
pany against  strikes  or  the  losses  of  strikes,*®  and  like  a  fire 
insurance  company  it  aims  not  only  to  reduce  losses  to  the 
insured,  but  also  to  prevent  losses  by  reducing  occasions  and 
causes. 

In  this  respect  the  Association  may  well  be  characterized 
as  one  of  the  most  progressive  associations  in  America. 
Its  belligerency  toward  the  union  extends  to  efforts  to  make 
the  union  useless  to  the  workers,  and  to  convince  the  work- 
ers that  the  union  is  useless,  or  even  harmful  to  their  best 
interests,®^  in  all,  to  render  futile  the  activities  of  the 
belligerent  union.'*^ 

Its  branches  operate  labor  bureaus  where  the  records  of 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  men  are  kept,®^   and  through 


Ii8  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

these  bureaus  it  prevents  undesirable  men  of  all  sorts,®^  but 
especially  the  trouble-maker,^^   from  securing  employment 
in  the  shops  of  its  members.^^     Its  officers  strongly  advise 
members  to  employ  workmen  only  through  the  labor  bu- 
reaus ^^  and  thus  prevent  kbor  troubles.     It  also  urges  its 
members  to  use  great  care  in  selecting  foremen,  in  order  to 
secure  only  loyal  ones,  because,  "  in  a  shop  where  the  fore- 
men are  loyal,  resourceful  and  with  initiative,  it  is  an  ex- 
ceedingly easy  matter  for  the  National  Metal  Trades  Asso- 
ciation,  with  its   resources  and   ramifications,   to  break  a 
strike  in  that  shop  in  very  much  less  time,  and  at  very  much 
less  cost,  with  infinitely  less  annoyance  than  in  a  shop  where 
such    conditions    do    not    prevail."  ^^     Furthermore,     its 
leaders  importune  the  members  to  take  a  sufficient  number  of 
apprentices  into  the  shops,  so  that  the  supply  of  independent 
skilled  metal  workers  will  be  equal  to  the  demand.®^     Indi- 
vidual agreements  between  the  workers  and  the  employer 
have  been  formulated  by  the  Association  and  used  by  cer- 
tain members.     Some  of  these  agreements  have  been  re- 
produced as  models  in  the  Association's  literature  with  in- 
structions how  to  use  them  legally,  so  that  other  employers 
might  likewise  have  legal  ones  drawn  up.     A  number  of 
these  agreements  provide  for  the  retention  of  a  part  of  the 
wages  of  the  worker  and  the  forfeiture  of  this  deposit  as 
damages  to  the  employer  should  the  employee  leave  with- 
out due  notice.®®     The  N.  M.  T.  A.  has  discussed  and  con- 
sidered "  employee  representation  "  as  a  means  for  securing 
loyal  employees. ^^*^     Thus  does  the  Association  strive  to 
prevent  strikes  by  having  only  men  loyal  to  the  employer  in 
the  shops  of  its  members. 

Legislative  Activities. —  As  the  unions  have  attempted 
tc  gain  strength  through  the  enactment  of  legislation  favor- 
able to  themselves,  the  Association,  in  its  defense  of  the  em- 
ployer against  strikes  and  in  preventing  strikes  by  depriving 
the  union  of  certain  coercive  tactics,  has  found  it  necessary 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  119 

to  enter  the  realms  of  legislation  and  politics.  As  early  as 
1902,  the  Association  opposed  a  federal  anti-injunction  bill, 
by  having  its  members  write  letters  of  protest  in  great  num- 
bers to  nearly  every  member  of  Congress.^ ''^  Regularly  since 
then,  both  it  and  its  branches  ^°^  have  been  represented  be- 
fore Congressional  committees  in  opposition  to  bills  that  it 
has  regarded  as  vicious  and  pernicious.^*' ^  Eight-hour  bills, 
anti-injunction  bills,  bills  legalizing  boycotting,  bills  prohibit- 
ing time  studies  and  premium  payments,  and  bills  restrict- 
ing the  transportation  and  use  of  strike  breakers,^*'^  have 
been  generally  opposed  both  before  national  and  state  legis- 
latures.^''^ If  it  is  impossible  to  defeat  such  measures,  an 
attempt  is  made  to  have  them  seriously  amended.^"^  On  the 
other  hand,  it  has  proposed  legislation  calculated  to  lessen 
violent  activities  by  the  unions.  For  example,  it  has  for- 
mulated a  model  bill  to  regulate  the  manufacture,  sale  and 
use  of  explosives, ^^'^  in  order  that  the  unions  might  not  use 
dynamite  to  terrorize  employers,^''*  without  running  great 
risks  of  detection.  Its  members  have  given  their  hearty 
support  to  this  bill  before  a  large  number  of  state  legisla- 
tures.^''^  Members  of  the  Association  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture of  munitions  of  war  had  trouble  with  the  union 
solicitation  of  their  nonunion  employees  to  join  the  union, 
and  if  that  was  refused  they  were  strongly  urged  to  join 
either  the  army  or  navy.  Partly  to  meet  this  move  of  the 
union,  the  Association  strongly  advocated  and  helped  secure 
the  passage  of  a  bill  providing  for  "  selective  conscription," 
although,  of  course,  it  did  not  originally  propose  such  a 
bill.^^"  In  order  that  the  unions  might  not  monopolize  so 
easily  the  supply  of  skilled  laborers,  and  thus  coerce  the  em- 
ployer to  grant  all  union  demands,  the  Association  has  also 
advocated  legislation  for  the  establishment  of  industrial  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools.^  ^^  In  co-operation  with  the 
National  Founders'  Association,  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  has  out- 
lined, discussed  and  proposed  the  principal  provisions  for 


I20         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

a  workmen's  compensation  act,  in  order  that  the  union 
leaders  might  not  secure  —  to  quote  the  association  — ^ 
"  oppressive  and  unjust  laws  of  far  reaching  conse- 
quence." ^^^  As  the  unions  have  gone  into  politics  in  order 
to  get  favorable  legislation,  the  Association  has  deemed  it 
wise  to  oppose  them,  and  it  has,  for  instance,  sent  its  repre- 
sentative to  appear  before  the  national  conventions  of  both 
the  Republican  and  Democratic  Parties  to  prevent  the  in- 
sertion of  labor  planks  in  the  party  platform.^ ^^  A  num- 
ber of  its  branches  have  contributed  to  the  defeat  of  certain 
labor  leaders  and  supporters  for  public  office,  and  accord- 
ingly have  helped  elect  officials  who  are  favorable  to  the 
employers.^  ^^  Inasmuch  as  many  public  officials  are  fright- 
ened by  the  labor  leaders  who  threaten  to  defeat  those  who 
oppose  union  measures  and  policies,  the  Association  has  at- 
tempted to  convince  public  officials  and  others  that  the  so- 
called  labor  vote  is  a  sham,  and  that  no  one  can  deliver  the 
labor  vote.  To  illustrate  and  partly  demonstrate  this  point, 
the  Association  has  published  numerous  instances  in  which 
the  unions  suffered  political  defeat.^  ^^ 

In  this  same  field  of  legislative  activity,  comes  the  attempt 
of  this  Association  along  with  many  others,  to  prevent  the 
invasion  of  the  present  domain  of  private  enterprise  by 
governmental  undertakings  or  strict  government  regula- 
tion,^^® although  in  this  respect,  this  Association  is  not  to  be 
classed  with  certain  reactionary  associations.  However,  its 
literature  shows  it  to  be  opposed  to  municipal  owner  ship,  ^^''^ 
in  fact  to  government  ownership  in  general,  and  accord- 
ingly, to  all  measures  designated  as  socialistic  as  opposed  to 
individualistic  ones.  Naturally,  it  is  a  sturdy  opponent  of 
socialism  in  any  form,  from  the  revolutionary  type  to  the 
reform  sort.  It  believes  rather  in  the  government  encourag- 
ing private  enterprise  even  by  means  of  subsidies,  for  exam- 
ple for  an  American  merchant  marine.  It  condemned  the 
National  War  Labor  Board;  it  denounced  the  U.  S.  Em- 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  121 

ployment  Service  for  its  alleged  pro-union  activities;  and 
strongly  disapproved  of  the  policy  of  the  National  War 
Labor  Policies  Board,  especially  the  policy  of  standardizing 
the  work  day  in  the  metal  trades.  It  characterized  the  re- 
fusal of  Assistant-Secretary  of  Labor,  Louis  Post,  to  allow 
the  wholesale  deportation  of  "  reds  "  as  "  an  act  of  treachery 
which  true  citizens  should  not  condone."  ^^^  Thus  does  the 
Association  endeavor  to  strengthen  and  defend  the  employ- 
ers' cause  against  the  attacks  of  the  imions,  their  sympa- 
thizers, and  other  reformers. 

The  Boycott  constitutes  one  of  the  most  prominent 
coercive  methods  of  the  national  unions,  and  since  its  un- 
restricted use  tends  to  weaken  the  employers'  forces  and 
strengthen  the  unions,  this  Association  provided  as  early  as 
1903  for  a  system  of  patronage  to  offset  any  boycott  placed 
upon  any  of  its  members.  The  Commissioner,  upon  being 
notified  of  any  such  boycott,  was  to  notify  the  entire  mem- 
bership and  each  member,  in  making  purchases,  was  to  give 
preference  to  the  boycotted  member  over  all  competitors  un- 
til the  boycott  was  declared  off.  In  addition,  the  Adminis- 
trative Council  was  instructed  to  make  reciprocal  agree- 
ments with  other  associations  to  patronize  the  boycotted 
members  of  the  associations  involved.  Furthermore,  it 
advocated  the  formation  of  a  national  anti-boycott  asso- 
ciation to  resist  the  boycott  by  proper  and  legal  means,  to 
assist  in  enforcing  the  laws  against  the  boycott,  and  to 
create  a  strong  public  sentiment  against  lO^^ 

As  a  contrast  to  these  anti-boycott  measures,  we  find  a 
branch  engaged  in  boycotting.  The  Constitution  (1905, 
pp.  10  -  1 1 )  of  the  Chicago  Branch,  National  Metal  Trades 
Association,  prohibited  members,  among  other  things,  from 
paying  money  to  advertising  schemes  in  pamphlets,  bulle- 
tins or  other  publications  of  any  kind  issued  by  any  trade 
association  or  union,  or  from  making  any  donation,  or  buy- 
ing any  tickets  for  picnics,  balls,  parties  or  entertainments 


122  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

given  by  trade  unions  or  associations.  As  the  unions  find 
such  activities  as  those  prohibited  a  fruitful  source  of  rev- 
enue, the  prohibition  constitutes  a  direct  financial  attack 
upon  such  labor  organizations.  Moreover,  members  are 
expected  to  refer  all  such  solicitors  to  the  secretary  of  the 
Branch,  and  are  required  to  notify  his  office  whenever  they 
are  approached  for  aid  to  such  schemes,  and  it  then  becomes 
his  duty  to  notify  each  member  at  once  by  bulletin.  The 
National  Association  had  also  similarly  advised  members  on 
this  matter.^ 2^  Such  prohibitions  and  advice  limit  some- 
what the  issue  of  union  literature,  and  so  reduce  agitation 
and  prevent  strikes  to  that  extent. 

Industrial  Betterment  Activities. —  The  foregoing  ac- 
tivities for  preventing  strikes  may  be  regarded  as  primarily 
defensive,  since  they  are  direct  in  their  attack  upon  the  union. 
Constructive  measures,  so-called,  although  in  part  defensive, 
are  designed,  with  regard  to  future  developments,  to  take 
from  the  union  its  strong  appeal  to  the  workers  and  the 
public  in  general  because  of  the  benevolent  features  claimed 
for  such  organizations,  and  because  of  the  bad  working  con- 
ditions of  industry  so  far  as  such  exist.  Among  its  con- 
structive measures  are  profit  sharing,  industrial  education, 
accident  prevention,  hygiene,  sanitation,  and  compensation 
for  injuries  to  workmen.^^^  Sometimes  these  are  classed 
as  industrial  betterment  activities,^^^  or  welfare  work,  al- 
though there  is  no  general  agreement  as  to  the  exact  mean- 
ing of  these  terms. 

In  addition  to  advocating  increased  wages  for  em- 
ployees^^^  and  fair  wages  at  all  times,  the  leaders  of  the 
Association  have  sometimes  expressed  themselves  in  favor 
of  profit  sharing,  either  in  the  form  of  bonuses  for  excel- 
lent work  or  long  service,  or  as  dividends  on  wages  or  stock 
owned  by  the  employees  sold  to  them  at  low  prices  on  the 
installment  plan,  or  in  some  manner  best  suited  to  the  busi- 
ness of  the  member.     Officially,  "  The  Association  has  never 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  123 

expressly  advocated  profit  sharing,  although,  of  course,  it 
has  never  opposed  it."  ^^^  if  the  employee  can  be  made 
to  feel  that  he  is  part  owner  of  the  business  through  holding 
stock  in  the  company,  he  is  less  likely  to  become  an  agitator 
or  to  strike  the  shop.^25  Likewise,  he  is  more  apt  to  feel 
contented  if  he  secures  a  bonus,  or  even  higher  pay  for  ex- 
cellent service.  The  extra  wages  or  rewards  anticipated, 
usually  tend  to  make  an  employee  immune  to  the  germs  of 
unrest  spread  by  agitators,  since  he  is  somewhat  inoculated 
by  the  extra  gains  he  receives  as  a  capitalist. 

Industrial  Education. —  The  Association  has  given  en- 
couragement and  support  to  the  movement  for  industrial 
education.^ ^^     Every  member  has  been  urged  to  take  young 
men  into  his  shop  and  teach  them  trades.     Various  forms  of 
apprenticeship  agreements  have  been  drawn  up  for  the  use 
of  members  and  finally  one  was  adopted  as  the  standard. 
Financial  support  has  been  accorded  to  the  National  Society 
for  the  Promotion  of  Industrial  Education  to  aid  it  in  its 
propaganda  for  industrial  schools.^^^     The  Winona  Techni- 
cal Institute,  later  the  National  Trade  Schools  and  Technical 
Institute,  received  donations  of  money  and  machines  from 
the  Association  and  its  members. ^^*    Scholarships  were  also 
provided  for  students  who  were  learning  the  metal  trades  in 
the  school  for  machinists  established  there.^^     A  number 
of  the  branches  have  co-operated  with  private  and  public  in- 
dustrial schools.     Usually  its  members  have  had  much  to  do 
with    the    establishment    of    such    schools.     The    Chicago 
Branch  has  co-operated  with  the  Lewis  Institute  for  a  num- 
ber of  years;  the  Cincinnati  Branch  with  the  University  of 
Cincinnati     and     the     Cincinnati      Public      Continuation 
School,    which    the    Branch    had    caused    to    be    estab- 
lished;   the    St.    Louis    Branch    with    the    Rankin    Trade 
School ;   the   Cle\'eland   Branch  with  the  school   conducted 
by    the    Young    Men's    Christian    Association    of    Cleve- 
land;   and   so   on    with   other   branches. ^^*^     The    N.    M. 


124         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

T.  A.  now  (1921)  has  a  committee  on  industrial  ed- 
ucation, which  is  urging  upon  members  of  the  Association 
to  undertake  some  one  or  several  means  of  training  up 
skilled  workmen,  instead  of  "  stealing  labor  from  other  em- 
ployers." It  has  also  established  an  industrial  training  de- 
partment with  a  superintendent  of  industrial  education  in 
charge.  This  department  has  recommended  the  establish- 
ment of  a  "  central  training  school  to  give  preliminary  train- 
ing to  the  workers,  to  serve  also  as  a  pool  from  which  help 
can  be  drawn  as  needed."  ^'^^  In  these  and  other  methods 
employed  by  the  Association,  its  aim,  it  is  fair  to  say, 
has  been  to  secure  a  supply  of  skilled  labor  in  the  metal 
trades  sufficient  to  meet  the  demands  for  such  workmen 
at  all  times,  a  preparation  for  future  needs, —  and  this  tends 
to  prevent  strikes. 

Accident  Prevention. —  Accident  prevention  has  been 
undertaken  on  a  large  scale  by  the  Association.  Not  only 
does  it  agitate  for  accident  prevention  on  the  part  of  its 
members,  but  it  also  attempts  to  teach  both  employer  and 
employee  how  to  prevent  accidents.  It  has  employed  a 
Safety  Inspector  who  devotes  his  time  to  inspecting  the  shops 
of  members  and  recommending  to  them  appliances  and 
methods  for  preventing  accidents.^  ^^  He  has  written  a 
series  of  articles  on  the  various  phases  of  this  subject  and 
on  occasions  has  delivered  addresses  on  it  to  both  employers 
and  employees.  A  "  Safety  Talk  "  illustrated  by  lantern 
slides  has  been  given  by  the  Safety  Inspector  at  the  plants  of 
a  considerable  number  of  the  members.^ ^^  The  Associa- 
tion has  issued  articles  in  various  forms,  reprinted  parts  of 
articles  issued  by  other  concerns,  and  has  approved  officially 
publications  of  other  organizations.^  ^^  It  has  issued 
"  Safety  Notes,"  "  Safety  Appliances,"^^^  and,  for  the  edu- 
cation of  the  employees  especially,^  ^^  a  pamphlet,  "  How 
About  Accidents?  "  in  which  the  workman  is  shown  how  he 
may  reduce  accidents,  and  the  appeal  is  made  that  it  is  a 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  125 

duty  which  he  owes  to  society,  to  his  family,  to  his  employer 
and  to  himself,  to  co-operate  in  reducing  accidents. ^^'^  In 
191 5,  the  Association  began  the  publication  of  N.  M.  T.  A. 
Safety  Bulletins,  but  discontinued  them  shortly  and  joined 
in  the  issue  and  distribution  of  the  "  Spirit  of  Caution," 
while  these  were  published  by  the  Conference  Board  on 
Safety  and  Sanitation. ^^®  Accident  prevention  serves  two 
ends  for  the  Association:  It  shows  a  humanitarian  aspect 
and  betters  working  conditions,  and  thus  eliminates,  in  part, 
the  grounds  of  the  agitator  to  appeal  for  sympathy  and  sup- 
port; it  meets,  in  advance,  laws  for  workmen's  compensa- 
tion, and  saves  the  employer  money  from  damages  and  liti- 
gation. The  Association  has  discussed  and  favored  certain 
laws  for  workmen's  compensation,^^®  and  also  has  con- 
sidered somewhat  the  establishment  of  a  Mutual  Liability 
Insurance  Company  for  its  members.^  ^^  The  New  York 
and  New  Jersey  Branch  has  insured  a  large  number  of  the 
employees  of  its  members.^** 

Educational  Work. —  A  propaganda  is  carried  on  by  the 
Association,  (i)  to  educate  the  employer,  (2)  to  educate  the 
workman, ^'*^  and  (3)  to  educate  the  outsider. 

Both  members  and  non-members  are  appealed  to  in  the 
educational  campaign.  The  employer  who  is  not  a  mem- 
ber is  appealed  to  through  literature  and  the  personal  solici- 
tation of  members,  to  become  a  member  of  the  Association 
and  to  co-operate  with  it  in  solving  the  conflict  between  capi- 
tal and  labor.  The  member  is  instructed  in  various  ways 
how  to  aid  fellow  members  in  trouble,  or  in  preventing 
strikes ;  in  fact,  he  is  educated  in  every  phase  of  the  Asso- 
ciation's activity,  so  that  he  may  co-operate  fully  at  all  times. 
The  Bulletin  and  letters  to  members  are  published  with  this 
end  in  view.^^^ 

The  propaganda  to  educate  the  employees  is  designed  to 
convince  them  that  their  welfare  is  linked  up  with  the  pros- 
perity of  the  employer;  in  the  words  of  one  of  the  Associa- 


126  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

lion  leaders,  "  to  demonstrate  that  the  chief  contentions  for 
which  the  unions  stand, —  the  closed  shop,  the  boycott,  the 
minimum-wage  scale,  an  eight-hour  day,  limitation  of  ap- 
prentices, opposition  to  piece  work  and  to  the  premium  plan 
and  similar  profit-sharing  systems, —  are  against  the  true 
interests  both  of  the  employer  and  the  workmen."  ^** 
The  literature  of  the  Association,  accordingly,  abounds  with 
indictments  of  unions  specifically  and  in  general,  and  con- 
tains many  arguments  against  the  practices  of  unionism. 
Moreover,  it  attempts  to  prove  to  the  employees  that  the 
employer,  as  a  rule,  has  their  welfare  at  heart,  and  that  all 
employers  should  not  be  judged  on  the  same  basis  as  the 
bad  employer. 

It  has  endeavored  to  convince  the  educators  of  the  country 
that  its  viewpoint  is  sound. ^^^  In  the  words  of  a  leader,  it 
plans  to  disseminate  "  accurate  information  about  Union- 
ism as  it  is  now  conducted,  which  will  at  the  same  time  pro- 
mulgate sound  governmental  and  economic  doctrines,  en- 
gendering respect  for  free  institutions  and  confidence  in  the 
destiny  of  our  Republic."  ^^^  As  early  as  1903,  it  passed 
resolutions  for  the  establishment  of  an  educational  bureau, 
and  through  this  and  by  means  of  lectures  and  publications, 
it  attempted  —  in  the  words  of  the  resolution  —  to  "  dis- 
seminate correct  information  concerning  the  heresies  of 
trade  unionism."  ^^'^  Such  a  program  has  been  only  partly 
carried  out.  In  1915.  and  annually  since  1917,  the  Asso- 
ciation has  appropriated  $10,000  each  year  for  publicity 
work  to  be  expended  by  a  committee  on  publicity. ^^^  That 
committee  reported  in  19 16.  "  that  much  good  is  being  ac- 
complished in  a  quiet  way."  ^''^  The  Association  has  re- 
cently joined  the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  in 
its  "  educational  work,"  and  usually  appropriates  annually 
$5000  toward  the  work  of  this  Board. ^^^ 

This  propaganda  is  conducted  in  general  through  the 
media  of  the  spoken  and  the  printed  word,  although  letter 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  127 

correspondence  plays  no  unimportant  part.  Addresses  form 
only  a  small  part  of  the  work,  since  an  address  reaches  only 
a  limited  number  of  people,  unless  it  is  printed  and  dis- 
tributed widely.  Many  addresses  are  to  be  found  in  the 
printed  proceedings  of  the  conventions.  In  practice,  most  of 
the  printed  literature  is  intended  for  the  public  in  general, 
and  the  employer  and  the  employee  alike.  The  Bulletin, 
recently  issued  for  members  in  pamphlet  form  and  now  in 
letter  form,  was  formerly  published  for  general  distribu- 
tion in  magazine  form.  As  a  magazine,  it  was  succeeded 
by  the  Open  Shop,  which  was  intended  for  all  persons  in- 
terested in  labor  questions.  Later,  the  Open  Shop  was  dis- 
continued, and  now  the  Association  helps  the  National 
Founders'  Association  to  publish  the  Open  Shop  Review}^^ 
In  the  191 2  convention,  members  were  pledged  by  a  reso- 
lution to  place  the  Open  Shop  Reznew  in  the  hands  of  as 
many  of  their  employees  as  possible,  and  in  1919,  the  Asso- 
ciation was  sending  the  magazine  into  the  homes  of  17,000 
of  the  employees  of  its  members.^ ^^  Among  the  other 
publications  of  the  Association  are  "  Industrial  Betterment 
Activities,"  "  The  I.  W.  W.,"  "  Excerpts,"  "  Real  Signifi- 
cance of  the  Eight-Hour  Day,"  "  Industrial  Prepared- 
ness." ^^3  and  "  A  Straight  Sermon  to  Young  Men."  ^^^ 

Moreover,  its  branches  are  using  entertainments  to  edu- 
cate employees  on  various  subjects.  For  example,  "  The 
Cincinnati  Branch,  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  has 
inaugurated  a  series  of  entertainments  for  the  benefit  of 
members  and  their  employees.  The  first  of  these  was  held 
in  Music  Hall  on  the  evening  of  November  12,  with  an 
estimated  attendance  of  over  3500."  ^^^ 

Even  in  its  campaign  for  members,  the  Association  ex- 
ercises discretion  in  the  selection  of  its  prospects.  Not  all 
employers  are  welcome  to  its  ranks;  only  those  are  desired 
whose  condition  and  attitude  of  mind  on  the  subjects  in 
which  it  is  interested,  are  such  as  to  make  them  desirable 


128  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

members  and  fair  risks}^^  They  must  be  in  accord  with  its 
principles,  so  that  the  membership  will  mean  something  more 
than  mere  numbers,  so  that  it  will  mean  aggregated  har- 
mony of  purpose. ^^■^  Its  general  policy  is  more  or  less 
fixed ;  it  may  vary  somewhat  with  a  change  in  commission- 
ers, but  the  annual  change  of  presidents  has  little  or  no 
effect.^^^  It  has  an  organization  which  does  not  rest  upon 
the  president,  although  "  his  advice  and  guidance  are  always 
very  important  in  the  shaping  of  the  policies  of  the  organi- 
zation, he  as  a  rule  having  served  previously  as  a  member 
of  the  Executive  Committee.  The  details  of  the  work  are, 
of  course,  carried  on  by  the  paid  officers."  ^^^  It  takes  no 
chances  whatever  with  indiscreet  young  officers.^  ^^ 

Interrelations. —  In  its  many  activities  and  through  its 
members,  it  is  variously  related  to  other  associations.  In  the 
first  place,  it  was  organized  by  members  of  the  National 
Founders'  Association,^®^  and,  through  joint  committees 
and  exchange  of  convention  speakers  it  has  had  a  more  or 
less  close  relationship  with  that  association  ever  since. ^^^ 
Close  relations  are  brought  about  through  co-operation  of 
officers  and  the  occasional  interlocking  councilors.^®^  These 
associations  now  co-operate  in  publishing  the  Open  Shop 
Review,  and  at  one  time  in  the  past  they  combined  in  having 
Marshall  Cushing  represent  them  at  Washington,  D.  C,  in 
opposing  legislation  inimical  to  their  interests.^®'  At  the 
request  of  President  Briggs  of  the  National  Founders'  As- 
sociation, the  N.  M.  T.  A.  endorsed  the  Findings  of  the  An- 
thracite Coal  Strike  Commission.^«^  The  N.  M.  T.  A.  and 
the  N.  F.  A.  are  related  through  members,  for  a  considerable 
number  of  concerns  belong  to  both  organizations,  and  these 
have  attempted  at  times  to  have  the  two  organizations  con- 
solidated.^"'^ The  two  associations  had  the  same  repre- 
sentative before  the  Commission  on  Industrial  Relations.^®" 
Both  associations  were  members  of  the  Conference  Board 
on  Safety  and  Sanitation  and  other  conference  boards.^®^ 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  129 

Many  of  the  members  of  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  are  also  mem- 
bers of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers,^^*  and 
some  of  its  branches  are  affiliated  with  the  National  Indus- 
trial Council,   which   is  a  subsidiary  organization  of  the 
National  Association  of  Manufacturers. ^*^^     In   1903,  the 
N.  M.  T.  A.  passed  resolutions  heartily  commending  the  suc- 
cessful work  of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers 
in    opposing    certain    legislation.^'^"     Mr.    Emery,    of    the 
National  Industrial  Council,  has  addressed  the  members  of 
the  N.  M.  T.  A.  on  several  occasions  in  regard  to  legislation, 
that  both  organizations  were  opposing.^ "^     The  counsel  of 
the  N.  M.  T.  A.  has  co-operated  with  the  counsel  of  both 
the    National   Association   of    Manufacturers   and   of   the 
National  Founders'  Association  in  opposing  legislation  and 
in  similar  activities;  *^^  in  fact,  in  this  field,  the  N.  M.  T.  A. 
works  in  harmony  with  a  number  of  other  large  and  influen- 
tial associations  of  manufacturers. ^^^     It  has  co-operated 
with  the  American  Anti-Boycott   Association,   or   League 
for  Industrial  Rights, ^^^  and  as  early  as   1903  began  an 
agitation  in  favor  of  an  anti-boycott  organization.^ ^^     A 
number  of  its  members  are  also  members  of  the  League  for 
Industrial  Rights.^ ^°     The  representative  of  the  N.  M.  T. 
A.  before  the  Commission  on  Industrial  Relations  was  Mr. 
Walter  Drew,  Commissioner  of  the  National  Erectors'  As- 
sociation.    Mr.  Drew  has  spoken  at  the  conventions  of  the 
N.  M.  T.  A.,  for  instance  in  1920.^^^    The  N.  M.  T.  A.  has 
co-operated  with  the  National  Machine  Tool  Builders'  As- 
sociation, especially  in  connection  with  a  common  appren- 
ticeship system.^^*     Its  officers  have  addressed  other  asso- 
ciations in  convention  assembled,  and  officers  of  other  asso- 
ciations have  likewise  appeared  before  its  conventions. ^''" 
For  example.  President  Copeland  of  the  Association  ad- 
dressed the  United  Metal  Trades  Association  of  the  Pacific 
Coast  on  several  occasions,^**'  and  Mr.  Merritt  of  the  League 
for  Industrial  Rights  addressed  the  members  of  the  N.  M. 


130  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

T.  A.^^^  It  has  placed  itself  on  record  as  in  favor  of  the 
formation  of  organizations  of  independent  workmen  as  fit 
instruments  with  which  to  fight  the  unions.^  ^^  It  has 
formed  local  organizations  of  manufacturers  in  a  number 
of  large  cities,  and  its  members  have  caused  their  workmen 
to  combine  in  mutual  aid  associations.^®^  Its  branches  have 
organized  superintendents'  and  foremen's  clubs. ^^^  It  has 
agitated  for  an  American  Federation  of  Employers,  or 
National  Employers'  Council  for  some  time,^®^  and  its  mem- 
bers in  large  numbers  took  part  in  the  formation  of  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the  United  States,^ ®^  and  in  mak- 
ing that  body  an  employers'  association.^®^  It  has  been  re- 
lated to  the  Railway  Business  Association  through  an  of- 
ficer common  to  both,  and  has  co-operated  with  that  or- 
ganization against  restrictive  railway  legislation.^®®  Its 
officers  correspond  with  a  great  number  of  officers  of  other 
associations,^®^  not  only  in  its  territory,  but  also  on  the 
Pacific  Coast,^^*'  and  even  with  associations  in  other  nations. 
It  has  made  attempts  to  aid  the  Employers'  Federation  of 
Belfast,  Ireland,  by  obtaining  certain  information  for  that 
organization  as  to  piece-work  prices  and  the  operation  of 
designated  machines,  to  be  used  in  a  contest  with  a  trades 
union  there.^^^  In  191 1  officers  of  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  attended 
the  convention  of  the  U.  S.  Brewers'  Association  in  an 
effort  to  induce  the  brewers  to  take  no  pro-union  action  in 
their  meeting.^^^  Through  its  branches  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  has 
been  related  to  hundreds  of  local  associations.^®^  Finally,  it 
helped  to  organize  and  was  represented  on  the  Conference 
Boards  on  Safety  and  Sanitation,  on  Training  of  Appren- 
tices, on  Industrial  Education,  and  on  the  National  Indus- 
trial Conference  Board,  through  which  Boards  is  was  related 
to. a  number  of  the  largest  and  strongest  associations  of 
the  United  States.^^^ 

The  foregoing  outline  of  the  National  Metal  Trades  Asso- 
ciation contains  only  illustrations  and  brief  statements  as  to 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  131 

its  structure  and  activities.  The  purpose  has  been  to  show 
as  briefly  as  possible  the  character  of  the  Association.  In 
comparison  with  other  associations,  it  is  less  secretive  than 
they,  although  it  regards  many  of  its  affairs  as  strictly  con- 
fidential; ^^^  it  is  as  far  reaching  in  its  activities;  it  is  prob- 
ably more  progressive  both  in  activities  and  viewpoint ;  and 
it  has  accomplished  more  in  the  general  field  for  the  em- 
ployer. Mr.  John  Kirby,  Jr.,  while  President  of  the 
National  Association  of  Manufacturers  and  of  the  Em- 
ployers' Association  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  closely  identified 
wath  the  employers'  association  movement  in  general,  "  de- 
clared his  belief  that  the  National  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion had  done  more  lasting  good  for  labor  than  all  other 
organizations  combined."  ^^^  Doubtless  some  special  asso- 
ciations have  accomplished  more  in  their  special  but  limited 
field  than  has  this  Association  in  that  special  field,  but 
they  are  for  that  very  reason  less  typical  of  the  whole 
movement. 

Summary. —  The  development  of  the  National  Metal 
Trades  Association's  structure  and  activities  may  be  sum- 
marized as  follows: 

1.  It  began  as  a  local  negotiatory  association  and  devel- 

oped into  a  national  belligerent  one. 

2.  It  began  as  an  informal  organization,   but  during  a 

strike  shortly  evolved  into  a  formal  association. 

3.  It  started  as  a  loose  confederation,  but  is  becoming  more 

centralized  in  control,  although  it  employs  local  or- 
ganizations to  defeat  unionism. 

4.  It  has  eliminated  the  very  small  employer  in  depressed 

times  by  establishing  a  minimum  assessment,  and 
thus  tends  to  further  concentration  of  industry. 

5.  It  has  increased  the  number  of  branch  offices  in  order 

to  deal  quickly  with  strikes  and  other  labor  troubles. 

6.  It    operates    local    employment    bureaus    in    twenty-three 


132         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

diflFerent  cities  for  the  benefit  of  its  members  in  keep- 
ing agitators  and  other  undesirables  out  of  the  shops 
of  its  members. 

7.  It  utilizes  a  secret-service  system  to  keep  agitators  out 

of  the  shops  of  its  members,  and  to  prevent  agitation 
among  the  employees  of  its  members  outside  of  the 
shop. 

8.  It  is  accumulating  and  maintaining  a  large  defense 

fund. 

9.  It  has  evolved  a  systematic  and  very  effective  method  of 

combating  strikes  —  a  reserve  army  of  certificate 
men,  guards,  etc. 

10.  It  advises  members  how  to  avoid  strikes,  and  also  as  to 

developments  in  strikes  elsewhere. 

11.  It  co-operates  with  non-members  in  combating  strikes, 

and  in  preventing  strikes. 

12.  It  seeks  the  co-operation  of  the  investor,  the  banker,  and 

Wall  Street  in  taking  measures  to  prevent  strikes. 

13.  It  is  beginning  to  recognize  that  while  it  is  usually  ad- 

visable to  leave  questions  of  hours  and  wages  to  local 
organizations  to  handle,  that  the  growth  of  the  con- 
flict to  national  limits,  requires  that  the  National 
Association  should  take  a  part  in  the  settlement  of 
such  matters. 

14.  It  advises  its  members  to  keep  wages,  hours  and  work- 

ing conditions  in  their  shops  such  that  no  just 
grounds  for  agitation  can  exist, —  it  prepares  data 
to  keep  members  informed  as  to  what  is  the  usual 
practice.  It  conducts  research  work  on  important 
industrial  problems,  and  sends  its  members  bulletins 
and  weekly  letters  on  questions  of  special  interest. 

15.  It  urges  that  members  should  train  up  plenty  of  appren- 

tices, and  favors  industrial  education  to  make  skilled 
workers. 

16.  It  offers  suggestions  as  to  model  individual  contracts 

between  the  employer  and  each  of  his  employees. 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  133 

17.  It  has  attempted  to  offset  union  boycotts  by  a  patronage 

system,  but  has  not  needed  to  do  this  recently  be- 
cause of  the  success  of  the  League  for  Industrial 
Rights. 

18.  It  has  opposed  union  legislative  proposals  before  both 

state  and  national  legislative  bodies. 

19.  It  has  advocated  the  enactment  of  bills  to  regulate  the 

use  of  explosives  so  that  they  may  not  be  used  by 
the  unions  to  terrorize  its  members. 

20.  It  has  attempted  to  prevent  the  insertion  of  labor  planks 

in  the  platforms  of  the  two  leading  political  parties 
in  the  United  States,  and  a  number  of  its  branches 
have  participated  in  the  defeat  of  labor  union  leaders 
for  public  office. 

21.  It    has    advocated    industrial    betterment    among    em- 

ployees, and  assisted  in  the  Americanization  of  our 
alien-bom. 

22.  It  has  undertaken  accident  prevention  on  a  large  scale. 

23.  It  has  conducted  a  propaganda  to  "  educate  "  workmen 

and  employer  and  to  some  extent,  the  general  public. 

24.  It  has  co-operated  extensively  with  other  associations 

for  a  common  purpose. 

REFERENCES 

1  See  0(i)'o7  American  Industries  19,  (Abv.  Am  Ind)  ;  F'12  Am 
Ind  39.  2S(i3)'2i  Letter  from  the  Association;  see  also  Eight 
Hour  Law,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  Education  and  Labor, 
U.  S.  Senate,  on  H  R  9061,  1912,  pp.  304,  394,  (Abv.  '12  S  H  H)  ; 
Synopsis  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Convention  of  the  Na- 
tional Metal  Trades  Association,  1913,  pp.  213-214.  (Abv.  '13  N  M 
T  A)  ;  Officers  and  Members,  N.  M.  T.  A.,  (Abv.  Officers)  ;  '14  N  M 
T  A  7;  '09  N  M  T  A  12;  '18  N  M  T  A  64;  Fourteenth  Annual  Din- 
ner Indianapolis  Branch,  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  (Abv. 
Fourteenth)  ;  Application  for  Membership,  N  M  T  A,  (Abv.  Applica- 
tion). 3  Application ;  Constitution  and  By-laws,  N  M  T  A,  pp.  3,  11, 
(Abv.  Const)  ;  Limiting  Federal  Injunctions,  Hearings  before  the  Com- 
mittee on  the  Judiciary,  U.  S.  Senate,  on  H  R  23635,  1912,  p.  340. 
(Abv.  '12  S  I  H)  ;  '13  N  M  T  A  213-214;  S(2o)'2o  Letter,  Indianapolis 
Branch  N  M  T  A,  (Abv.  S(2o)'2o  Letter)  ;  D(7)'20  Letter.  *  Officers; 
My'20  Open  Shop  Review  174,  (Formerly  called  the  Review;  abv.  O  S 


134         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Rev  and  Rev) ;  '20  N  M  T  A  6;  '21  N  M  T  A  8,  24,  69-71 ;  S(i3)'2i 
Letter ;  Const  9-10.  ^  Officers.  « '20  N  M  T  A  6-7 ;  The  Open  Shop, 
V:  251,  (Abv.  Op  S).  ''Const  4-8;  Officers;  Convention  Proceedings. 
«  Const  20;  '12  N  M  T  A  loo-ioi ;  '14  N  M  T  A  233;  '15  N  M  T  A  22; 
Industrial  Relations,  Final  Report  and  Testimony,  U.  S.  Commission  on 
Industrial  Relations,  p.  3394.  (Abv.  Ind  Rel).  »  Const  6-8;  '21  N  M 
T  A  57.  1" '20  N  M  T  A  9-1 1 ;  and  other  Convention  Pro- 
ceedings. 11  Const  13.  12  '13  N  M  T  A  33 ;  A  Brief  History  of  the 
National  Metal  Trades  Association,  (MS,  Abv.  History).  i3'i3  n  M 
T  A  33;  Const  22.  1*  '14  N  M  T  A  27-28.  ^^  Const  3-4;  Application. 
18  Const  3;  '14  N  M  T  A  7.  "History,  is  D'i6  Rev  iv-v;  Au'17  Rev 
v-vi;  N'20  O  S  Rev  v-vi;  and  all  other  Rev;  Const  25-27.  i^  '12  N  M 
T  A  6;  see  also  '20  N  M  T  A  7.  20  '08  N  M  T  A  10;  Eight  Hours  for 
Laborers  on  Government  Work,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on 
Education  and  Labor,  U.  S.  Senate,  1902,  pp.  262-263,  (Abv.  '02  S  H 
H),  21  Main  references  are  to  "Facts  Concerning  the  Growth  of  the 
National  Metal  Trades  Association,"  (MS,  Abv.  Facts).  22  History. 
28  Facts;  History;  D'i6  Rev  iv-v.  24  'og  n  M  T  A  9;  '12  N  M  T  A  8; 
Op  S  V:25i.  25  Negotiations  between  Chicago  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion and  International  Association  of  Machinists,  District  No.  8,  Pre- 
ceding Strike  of  May  29,  1904,  (Abv.  Negotiations).  26  0p  S  V:  252, 
27'i3  NM  T  A  19;  '16N  M  T  A26.  28 '14  n  M  T  A  30;  '16  N  M  T  A 
26.  29  Const,  1906,  and  Const,  (1920)  pp.  11-13,  21.  3° '06  Const  19. 
31  N'13  Bulletin,  N  M  T  A,  6,  (Abv.  Bui)  ;  Const  17-21.  32  je'14  Bui  3. 
33  Const  12;  see  also  9-10;  '16  N  M  T  A  26.  3*  Op  S  IV:  209.  35  N'i6 
Rev  v-vi;  D'i6  Rev  iv-v;  '16  N  M  T  A  50-51,  and  especially  26,  27. 
3«  Ap'io  Rev  IS ;  see  also  '20  N  M  T  A  20,  24.  37  ji'o8  Square  Deal  53. 
38  '16  N  M  T  A  30,  see  also  23.  ^^  My  '17  Rev  185.  "  D(7)'2o  Letter; 
see  also  '18  N  M  T  A  35;  '17  N  M  T  A  39;  'i9  N  M  T  A  34;  '20  N  M 
T  A  24 ;  My'20  O  S  Rev  173 ;  O  ( 14)  '20  Iron  Trade  Review  1072 ;  D'20 
O  S  Rev  402-403;  Two  Editorials  of  Timely  Interest;  S(20)  '20  Letter; 
3(13)  '21  Letter;  My'21  O  S  Rev  175,  177;  '21  N  M  T  A  21-22,  23-24. 
« '12  N  M  T  A  s ;  'II  N  M  T  A  51 ;  History ;  Je'io  Bui  5-  *^  'i3  N  M 
T  A  30-31.  *3  Inside  cover  Op  S,  for  years  1906-1907.  ^4  'jg  n  M  T  A 
19 ;  and  other  Proceedings.  *^  Const  21-22.  ^^  History ;  '14  N  M  T  A 
8.  *7  History;  N'20  O  S  Rev  i.  *8  Op  S  VI:  216.  *»  Certificate 
of  Recommendation ;  Certificate  of  Recommendation :  What  It  Is 
and  What  It  Means.  =« '08  N  M  T  A  13,  14,  16;  '20  N  M 
T  A  6,  22,  25.  »i  '08  N  M  T  A  12 ;  Je'14  Bui  7.  ^2  'iq  N  M  T  A  18-19; 
Mr'io  Bui  4.  B3'o8  N  M  T  A  13,  18;  '14  N  M  T  A  39-  " 'i4  N  M 
T  A  182-184.  65Au'io  Bui  4.  '58  History.  57  n'io  Bui  3;  Au'io  Bui 
3-4-  58  History;  '12  N  M  T  A  16.  so'i^  n  M  T  A  182-184.  6° '08 
N  M  T  A  5.  81  '08  N  M  T  A  18;  '12  N  M  T  A  16;  '14  N  M  T  A  182- 
184.  82  N'13  Bui  5-6.  83ji'o8  Square  Deal  53;  '17  N  M  T  A  24-25; 
'18  N  M  T  A  29;  My'20  O  S  Rev  174-  84  '14  n  M  T  A  8.  85  '08  N  M 
T  A  11;  My'15  Bui  4;  '16  N  M  T  A  22;  Au(i3)'i7  Bui  3.  86 '08 
N  M  T  A  20.  87  '14  N  M  T  A.  39,  etc.  «8'i4  n  M  T  A  36.  37,  etc. 
8»  '14  N  M  T  A  37.  70  '14  N  M  T  A  30;  My'is  Bui  6.  "  '08  N  M  T  A 
19.    "'12  N  M  T  A.  18;  see  also  '10  N  M  T  A  19.    ^3  p'lo  Bui  7. 


The  National  Metal  Trades  Association  135 

^* Const  17.  "jri3  Bui  3-4;  'i8  N  M  T  A  35;  see  also  Au(i5)'i6 
Bui;  Jl(i7)'i6  Bui  6;  S-0  '15  Bui  4-5;  '21  N  M  T  A  6.  ^e'ao  N  M  T 
A  8;  Fourteenth;  21  N  M  T  A  6.  ^7  '20  N  M  T  A  20-21 ;  see  also  27; 
see  also  '21  N  M  T  A  ift  40-41.  ^s  S'14  Bui  8.  ^sja'io  Bui  3; 
S'i2  Bui  3;  '13  N  M  T  A  12.  8°  Op  S  VI:  218;  F'lo  Bui  5;  '21  N  M 
T  A  7.  81  '16  N  M  T  A  32-33;  '17  N  M  T  A  3s;  '18  N  M  T  A  28; 
'19  N  M  T  A  35;  '20  N  M  T  A  24;  My'20  O  S  Rev  174;  My  '17  Rev 
185.  82'i2  N  M  T  A  16;  '10  N  M  T  A  6-62;  Facts.  83-05  Const, 
Chicago  Branch  4.  84  '12  N  M  T  A  1 1.  85  '08  N  M  T  A  9.  8«  Qp  S 
IV:  219;  see  also  History.  8?  Qp  S  IV:  219;  also  '12  N  M  T  A  8.  88 
•08NMTA8.  89>iiNMTA5i.  »o'ioN  M  T  A  131.  «i '12  N  M 
T  A  6.  82  '09  N  M  T  A  13;  Ind  Rel  3401,  I27ff ;  '20  N  M  T  A  7.  »3 
My'i2  Bui  3-4.  a*  Ap(9)'o3  Iron  Age  9ff;  My  (28) '03  Iron  Age  29flf.  »5 
History;  '21  N  M  T  A  8.  »«  N'14  Bui  8;  Ap'is  Bui  7;  '19  N  M  T  A 
35.  07  '08  N  M  T  A  91.  »8  '15  ^f  ]vi  T  A  37 ;  '20  N  M  T  A  5.  »»  Op  S 
IV:  247;  Je'io  Bui  3;  lOo  My'20  O  S  Rev  179;  '20  N  M  T  A  40-49. 
Report  of  the  Committee  on  Works  Councils  in  the  Metal  Trades.  ^'^^ 
Anti-Injunction  Bill,  Complete  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  the 
Judiciary,  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States,  1904, 
p.  673,  (Abv.  '04  H  I  H).  102 '04  H  I  H  693-694;  '12  S  H  H 
295.  304,  380,  385,  394.  etc.  "3 '13  N  M  T  A  79-  "*0'i3  Bui  6; 
'16  N  M  T  A  58.  106 '12  N  M  T  A  6.  "s  My'12  Bui  7-^ 
i^^Ja'u  Bui  4-s.  108  A  Proposed  Bill  to  Regulate  the 
Manufacture  of  Explosives*  p.  8.  1°^  Ja'12  Bui  4-5.  "o  My'17 
Rev  199;  My(i9)*i7  Bui  2.  i"  Mr(2o)'i3  Iron  Age  744.  "^  Mr(i9)'iS 
Letter  to  Members  N  M  T  A  and  N  F  A.  "s  D'09  Rev  16.  i"  Ja'15  Am 
Ind  32-33.  "=*  0'i4  Bui  4-5 ;  My'19  O  S  Rev  175-176.  i"  Op  S  V :  290. 
1"  Op  S  VI :  207.  *"  Op  S  V :  291 ;  see  also  '19  N  M  T  A  26, 27, 28 ;  My'i9 
O  S  Rev  172;  0'i9  O  S  Rev  382,  383;  My'20  O  S  Rev  172;  '20  N  M 
T  A  14-15.  "o'o6  Const  36;  Ap(9)'o3  Iron  Age  11.  i2oo'i4  Bui  5. 
121 '14  N  M  T  A  7.  122  Industrial  Betterment  Activities.  "3  S'i2 
Bui  3.  124  D(7)'20  Letter;  see  also  Modern  Methods  of  Paying  Labor; 
Proceedings,  e.g.,  '09  N  M  T  A  40flF.  125  Jl'12  Bui  4-5.  "o  Ja'12  Bui  5; 
'09  N  M  T  A  24-33;  '19  N  M  T  A  35-  ^"'n  N  M  T  A  35-So; 
My'i2  Rev  14;  '12  N  M  T  A  94.  "8  Facts;  '09  N  M  T  A  34-37; 
Jl(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  11.  ^-^  0*29  Rev  9.  i^o  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  An- 
nual Convention  of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  1910, 
pp.  272-273,  Abv  '10  NAM);  D'09  Bui  5-6;  '12  N  M  T  A  31-35- 
131  My'20  O  S  Rev  175;  '20  N  M  T  A  5-6,  25,  29;  N'20  O  S  Rev  435- 
436;  '21  N  M  T  A  6,  25-27.  132  Ja'i2  Bui  3-4;  '12  N  M  T  A  30-31 ;  '21 
N  M  T  A  6.  133  O* 1 3  Bui  7.  "*  N  F  A  Safety  Bulletin; 
NAM  Preventive  Appliances.  i35  Safety  Appliances.i38  My'12  Bui  7. 
137  How  About  Accidents?;  Jl'u  Bui  6.  "8  N  M  T  A  Safety 
Bulletin;  Spirit  of  Caution,  "s'li  N  M  T  A  192,  etc. 
i*oAp'i2  Bui  7.  1*1  D'09  Rev  58.  1*2  Facts;  Bui;  Rev;  Op 
S;  and  pamphlets,  i"  Bui;  '20  N  M  T  A  6;  N'20  O  S  Rev  435-437; 
'21  N  M  T  A  8.  1"  '10  N  M  T  A  131.  i"  Mr'io  Bui  5.  "6  '13  N  M  T 
A  17-18.  i*7Ap(9)'03  Iron  Age  11.  "8 '15  N  M  T  A  89;  '16  N  M  T 
A  50;  '17  N  M  T  A  76-77:  '18  N  M  T  A  62;  '19  N  M  T  A  151 ;  '20  N 
M  T  A  53;  '21  N  M  T  A  56.  i*»'i6  N  M  T  A  50.  "o'l;  N  M  T  A  77; 


136         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

'18  N  M  T  A  63 ;  '19  N  M  T  A  151 ;  '20  N  M  T  A  53 ;  National  Indus- 
trial Conference  Board,  April,  1917,  pp.  1-5,  8,  (Abv.  Ap'17  NIC  B). 
"1  '09  N  M  T  A  IS ;  Bui ;  Op  S ;  Rev;  '21  N  M  T  A  7.  "2  '12  N  M  T 
A  96;  My'i2  Rev  10;  '19  N  M  T  A  35.  ^'^  Pamphlets  themselves.  ^^* 
Je'14  Bui  4-5;  Jl'14  Bui  6.  i5HN(2)'i2  Iron  Age  1215.  i^e '13  N  M  T 
A  11;  Op  S  IV:  221.  i57'i2NMTA5.  ^^^ '14  N  M  T  A  233.  "9 
D(7)'2o  Letter;  see  also  '12  N  M  T  A  100.  i^o  History.  ^^'^'13  N  M 
T  A  12.  162  Op  S  V:  264;  Ind  Rel  3394;  Officers;  My'i8  O  S  Rev  186; 
'18  N  M  T  A  62.  163  -09  N  M  T  A  20.  "*  Fio  Bui  6.  les  '13  N  M  T 
A  79-83 ;  '14  N  M  T  A  21 ;  Ind  Rel  3395.  loe  My  '20  O  S  Rev  180 ;  O 
'14  Bui  6;  My  '15  Rev  204-208,  219.  "'^  '14  N  M  T  A  52-53 ;  S  '14  Am 
Ind  24;  My  '15  Rev  208;  '20  N  M  T  A  6|,  22,  25.  i68Ap(2)'o3  Iron 
Age  38.  i"**  List  of  Associations  Represented  by  James  A.  Emery,  i'^*' 
'06  Const  37.  iTi  Op  S  V  260;  '18  N  M  T  A  65 ;  '12  N  M  T  A  103-106; 
Ap  '12  Bui  6;  My  '18  O  S  Rev  186;  Fourteenth.  "2 '12  N  M  T  A  28. 
173  My  '12  Bui  8.  174  S  '12  Bui  7-8.  i"'o6  Const  36.  i'«  Ind  Rel 
3395.  17' My  '20  O  S  Rev  180.  i^s'n  N  M  T  A  35-50;  see  also  Ap 
'14  Am  Ind  44;  My  '15  Rev  208,  212.  i^s  Op  S  VI  238,  239.  "o  Ap  '09 
Rev  23.  181 '14  N  M  T  A  185-213.  182 '06  Const  36;  Ap(9)'o3  Iron 
Age  12.  183 'II  N  M  T  A  83-84;  History.  i84  Qp  S  IV:  224;  Je(27) 
'12  Iron  Age  1577.  i^^'n  N  M  T  A  14-15;  Ap  '12  Bui  7;  '12  N  M  T  A 
II.  95;  '13  N  M  T  A  33;  My  '11  Rev  14;  My  '12  Rev  9.  186  My  '12 
Bui  5 ;  Cf  D(7)'20  Letter,  is^  Je  '14  Bui  5-7.  i^^  '10  N  M  T  A  22.  iso 
'10  N  M  T  A  21.  i»o  Au  '10  Bui  7.  ^^^  Ja  '12  Bui  7.  1^2  '12  N  M  T  A 
20;  Je  '10  Bui  6.  i»3'i4  N  M  T  A  221-222.  19* '16  N  M  T  A  27-28; 
Ap  '17  N  I  C  B  8 ;  '20  N  M  T  A  6,  22,  25 ;  '21  N  M  T  A  7,  3&-44.  "s 
Application.    i^^Ja  'lo  Bui  6. 


CHAPTER  V 
THE  NATIONAL  ERECTORS'  ASSOCIATION 

The  National  Erectors'  Association  is  an  organization 
in  both  the  iron  and  steel  industry  and  the  building  industry. 
It  is  a  belligerent  association,  as  are  a  majority  of  the 
larger  associations  in  the  iron  and  steel  industry.  In  con- 
trast to  the  other  associations  in  the  building  industry  — 
which  are  predominantly  negotiatory  —  the  National  Erec- 
tors' Association  is  highly  belligerent. 

Membership. —  The  National  Erectors'  Association  has 
only  a  few  members,  about  50  in  number,^  but  as  many  of 
the  member  concerns  are  large  corporations  national  in 
scope,  it  is  a  powerful  national  organization.  It  is  com- 
posed of  employers  engaged  in  the  business  of  fabricating 
and  erecting  iron  and  steel  structures.^  Its  Commissioner, 
Walter  Drew,  has  stated  that  its  members  fabricate  and  erect 
about  75  to  80  per  cent  of  the  structural  steel  and  iron  in 
this  country.^  It  has  affiliated  with  it  several  of  the  large 
construction  companies  of  the  country,  companies  that  take 
contracts  for  the  erection  of  entire  buildings,  including  the 
steel  and  iron  parts.*  In  addition,  it  has  had  a  close  work- 
ing agreement  with  the  three  local  iron  associations  in  New 
York  City,  and  some  of  its  members  have  belonged  to  these 
local  organizations.  It  has  al^o  had  various  relations  with 
other  associations  throughout  the  country.^ 

Structure,  Government  and  Dues. —  In  many  respects  it 
is  an  informal  organization.  It  had  for  a  number  of  years 
no  written  constitution,  by-laws,  or  any  hard  and  fast  rules 
of  any  description,  and  its  present  unprinted  Constitution  is 

137 


138  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

very  brief,  a  bare  outline.  It  holds  its  members  only 
through  a  recognition  of  a  community  of  interest  in  main- 
taining the  open  shop.  The  government  of  the  Association 
is  vested  in  a  general  Executive  Committee  and  in  district 
committees.  The  former  fixes  and  collects  the  assessments 
and  carries  on  all  business  not  of  a  local  nature.  This 
Committee  has  appointed  a  commissioner  as  executive  of- 
ficer, Mr.  Drew,  who  conducts  the  business  and  executes 
the  policy  of  the  Association,  subject  to  the  Committee's 
direction  and  approval. °  Dues  are  levied  on  the  members, 
on  the  basis  of  steel  fabricated  or  erected,  about  three  cents 
a  ton.  The  general  income  of  the  Association  has  been 
about  $30,000  a  year.^  * 

Objects. —  The  object  of  this  Association  is  "  the  in- 
stitution and  maintenance  of  the  Open  Shop  principle  in 
the  employinent  of  labor  in  the  erection  of  steel  and  iron 
bridges  and  buildings  and  other  structural  steel  and  iron 
work."  *  Its  only  declaration  of  principles  is  to  employ 
workmen  "  irrespective  of  membership  in  any  organization, 
and  without  discrimination.  Effort  is  always  made,  how- 
ever, to  give  employment  to  loyal  independent  workmen 
who  accepted  employment  during  the  struggle  with  the  union 
caused  by  the  open  shop  declaration  of  the  Association. 
Any  preference  in  employment  is  given  to  these  men.  .  .  . 
*  A  fair  day's  work  for  a  fair  day's  pay,'  best  expresses  the 
spirit  of  the  Association's  wage  policy"  ^  It  claims  not  to 
have  reduced  wages,  but  to  have  increased  them  for  indi- 
viduals with  superior  merit  or  skill,  and  it  further  claims 
that  in  some  localities  it  has  advanced  wages  because  they 
were  below  those  paid  elsewhere,  and  in  addition  has  given 
a  general  advance  in  rather  recent  years. ^^ 

Evolution  into  a  Belligerent  Association. —  The  Asso- 
ciation, like  the  National  "Metal  Trades  Association  and  the 
National  Founders'  Association,  has  within  the  past  twenty 

*  The  Association,  however,  has  spent  on  its  secret  service  in  a  two- 
to-three-year  period,  the  sum  of  $50/XK>.  [Sq  D  8:  530]  This,  of 
course,  required  a  special  income. 


The  National  Erectors'  Association  139 

years  undergone  an  evolution  from  a  weak  negotiatory  or- 
ganization in  New  York  City  to  a  strong  belligerent 
national  association.^^  Its  early  character  is  indicated  by 
the  fact  that  it  existed  for  a  number  of  years  under  various 
names, —  it  had  no  distinct  name  or  policy  of  its  own,  un- 
less it  be  called  a  policy  to  take  what  terms  it  could  get  from 
the  union.  It  entered  into  trade  agreements  with  the  unions, 
but  as  the  unions  were  very  powerful  in  the  building  indus- 
try in  New  York  City  at  that  time,  such  agreements  did  not 
protect  the  members  of  the  Association  from  restriction  of 
output,  blackmail,  or  even  strikes.  It  was  organized  as  a 
national  association  on  March  3,  1903,  under  the  name  of  the 
'National  Association  of  Manufacturers  and  Erectors  of 
Structural  Steel  and  Iron.  Even  as  a  national  organization, 
its  purpose  was  to  deal  with  the  union.  The  great  growth 
in  the  use  of  structural  steel  about  this  time  was  one  of  the 
main  causes  for  concerns  engaged  in  this  business  to  become 
national  in  their  scope,  and  so  to  make  the  Association  a 
nation-wide  one.  But  the  structural  iron  workers'  union 
wished  to  increase  its  jurisdiction  as  the  concerns  grew. 
The  American  Bridge  Company  was  one  of  the  concerns 
that  was  rapidly  expanding,  so  much  so,  that  the  union 
thought  that  a  number  of  smaller  concerns  were  merely 
disguised  subsidiaries  of  the  former,  and  sought  to  unionize 
them.  The  union  tried  to  force  the  American  Bridge  Com- 
pany to  compel  its  subcontractors  to  employ  only  union  men. 
It  contended  that  the  subcontractors  were  really  subsidiaries, 
and  that  the  subcontracting  was  only  a  ruse  of  the  Company 
to  deceive  the  union,  so  that  it  could  employ  nonunion  men. 
But  this  was  only  one  of  a  series  of  complications.  Another 
source  of  trouble  was  the  contest  between  the  unions  and  the 
National  Tube  Works  over  the  right  of  the  Works  to  erect 
or  repair  steel  and  iron  structures  within  its  own  plant  with 
nonunion  men.^^  Finally  in  October,  1905,  the  issues  be- 
came so  drawn  as  to  lead  to  a  declaration  by  the  Association 
for  the  open  shop  on  May  i,  1906.     The  breaking  point 


I40         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

came  when  the  union  demanded  that  all  the  members  of  the 
United  States  Steel  Corporation  manufacturing  steel  should 
refuse  to  deliver  any  structural  steel  whatever  to  any  con- 
tractor who  did  not  propose  to  erect  it  with  union  men.* 
This  step,  of  course,  involved  the  American  Bridge  Com- 
pany as  a  member  of  the  United  States  Steel  Corporation, 
and  especially  in  connection  with  a  contract  it  had  with  the 
Boston  Bridge  Company  which  was  employing  nonunion 
workmen.  ^^  The  agreement  between  the  union  and  the 
Association  expired  on  January  i,  1906,  and  no  attempt  was 
made  to  renew  it.  Matters  drifted  until  May  i,  1906,  when 
the  Association  put  its  open-shop  declaration  into  efifect: 
*'  Its  members  at  once  began  their  work  upon  that  basis  in 
different  parts  of  the  country.  In  anticipation  of  this  move- 
ment, a  commissioner  had  been  secured  in  March  and  prep- 
arations made  for  the  opening  of  employment  bureaus  and 
the  taking  of  such  steps  as  might  become  necessary.  A 
working  agreement  for  mutual  assistance  and  co-operation 
was  made  with  the  Allied  Iron  Associations  of  New  York 
City,  which  had  also  adopted  the  open-shop  policy,  and  the 
affairs  of  all  the  associations  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  one 
commissioner.  Employment  bureaus  were  conducted  in 
New  York,  Pittsburg,  Cincinnati,  Chicago,  Cleveland,  and 
temporary  recruiting  stations  were  established  at  other  places 
at  different  times."  ^^  Unions  in  New  York  City  and  Pitts- 
burg fought  most  desperately,  but  were  finally  forced  to  ac- 
cept the  open  shop.^^  In  this  movement,  the  Citizens'  In- 
dustrial Association  of  America,  according  to  its  President, 
C.  W.  Post,  was  active;  it  assisted  in  the  reorganization  of 
the  erectors,  and  had  its  Secretary,  Mr.  James  A.  Emery, 
act  as  commissioner  and  hold  them  together  until  it  secured 

*  The  union  thus  established  a  precedent  for  the  steel  companies  to 
retaliate  by  refusing  to  deliver  steel  for  erection  by  concerns  operating 
under  the  closed  shop  —  as  was  charged  in  the  recent  investigation 
in  the  building  trades  of  New  York  City  that  the  steel  companies  had 
done. 


The  National  Erectors'  Association  141 

Mr.  Drew  as  commissioner.  With  minor  exceptions  on  the 
part  of  individual  concerns,  all  the  cities  in  the  country  ex- 
cept San  Francisco  and  Chicago  became  open  shop  in  the 
erection  of  structural  steel,  and  even  in  these  two  cities, 
buildings  were  erected  on  the  open-shop  basis.*®  Since  then 
the  fight  has  gone  on  fiercely  in  various  parts  of  the  country, 
victory  in  a  particular  city  sometimes  has  rested  with  the 
union,  more  frequently  with  the  Association.  In  order  bet- 
ter to  carry  on  its  fight  against  the  union,  the  Association 
has  estabhshed  and  maintains  District  Offices  and  Labor 
Bureaus  in  New  York  City,  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  Cleveland,  O., 
Kansas  City,  Mo.,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  and 
Philadelphia,  Pa.*^ 

War  Upon  Closed-Shop  Unionism. —  The  National 
Erectors'  Association  is  undoubtedly  the  most  class-con- 
scious and  belligerent  national  association  in  America  today. 
Evidence  of  this  is  to  be  found  on  every  hand.  It  creates 
and  puts  into  operation  whatever  machinery  is  necessary  to 
meet  adequately  the  demands  of  any  situation  and  to  pro- 
tect its  members  in  any  complications  that  may  arise  on  ac- 
count of  their  observance  of  the  policy  of  the  Association.*^ 
It  wori<s  in  harmony  with  local  employers'  associations  and 
builders'  exchanges  wherever  mutual  interests  or  policies  are 
found,  and  has  given  to  and  received  from  these  local  asso- 
ciations very  material  assistance  at  different  times.  In 
many  of  the  larger  cities  it  has  a  working  understanding 
with  local  associations  to  use  their  employment  bureaus 
whenever  it  desires.**  "  Aside  from  the  general  work  of 
organizing  and  of  managing  the  Association,  the  Commis- 
sioner also  gives  his  personal  time  -and  attention  to  any  par- 
ticular situation  that  requires  it.  Besides  his  practical  ex^ 
perience  in  labor  troubles,  he  is  a  lawyer  who  has  made  a 
specialty  of  industrial  law.  His  legal  advice  and  services 
are  at  the  disposal  of  the  members  in  any  question  pertaining 
to  labor  matters."  ^^     But  he  has  never  begun  injunction 


142  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

proceedings  for  the  Association  against  any  union.^^     He 
has  written  a  number  of  powerful  articles  on  the  position 
of  the  Association  on  labor  questions,  has  severely  con- 
demned closed-shop  unionism,^^  and  has  made  impressive 
arguments   before   congressional   committees   against   bills 
advocated  by  the  American  Federation  of   Labor. ^^     He 
has  brought  strong  indictments  against  closed-shop  asso- 
ciations and  unions  in  the  building  industry  in  New  York 
City.^^     He   has   advocated   an   American    Federation   of 
Stockholders  in  order  to  make  them  class  conscious  and 
Ime  them  up  against  present-day  unionism  in  political  and 
legislative  as  well  as  in  the  industrial  field.^^     He  has  ad- 
dressed meetings  of  other  employers'  associations,  for  in- 
stance, the  Connecticut  Manufacturers'  Association  and  the 
National   Founders'    Association,    both   in    19 17,   and   the 
National  Metal  Trades  Association  in  1920.^®     He  organ- 
ized and  served  as  Counsel  for  the  American  Erectors'  As- 
sociation;^^ he  was  Counsel  for  the  Joint  Committee  of 
Associated  Employers  before  the  Commission  on  Industrial 
Relations,  and  has  also  been  Counsel  for  the  Iron  League 
Erectors'  Association  of  New  York  for  a  number  of  years.^^ 
The  National  Erectors'  Association,  besides  being  a  mem- 
ber of  the  National  Industrial  Council  and  the  National  In- 
dustrial Conference  Board,^^  has  co-operated  with  the  Na- 
tional Association  of  Manufacturers  as  an  associate  in  the 
National  Open  Shop  Publicity  Bureau,  which  endeavored 
to  enHst  investors,  owners,  builders,  architects  and  the  gen- 
eral public  as  consumers,  in  the  campaign  for  the  open  shop. 
To  this  end  a  series  of  booklets  have  been  published  and 
distributed,  among  which  are  "  The  Story  of  Duluth  and  the 
Open  Shop,"  "To  Build  Open  or  Closed  Shop  — Which? 
Ten  Reasons  and  a  Conclusion  Addressed  to  the  Owner," 
and  "  Restriction  of  Output  in  the  Closed  Shop."     In  addi- 
tion, Mr.  Drew  has  written  and  distributes  "  Closed  Shop 
Unionism,"  "  The  Boycott,"  "  The  Crime  of  the  Century 


The  National  Erectors'  Association  143 

and  Its  Relation  to  Politics,"  "  Deeds  Against  Words," 
"  Labor  Unions  and  the  Law,"  "  The  Strike,  the  Lockout 
and  the  Neutral  Citizen,"  "  Trade  Unionism  —  a  Construc- 
tive Criticism,"  "  The  Policy  of  Organized  Labor  in  the 
War,"  "  The  War  Time  Pledge  of  Organized  Labor,"  "  The 
Duty  of  Organized  Labor  in  War  Time,"  "  Situation  in 
the  Structural  Iron  Industry  in  New  York  City,"  "  Struc- 
tural Iron  and  Steel  Fabricators  Submit  Statement  to 
National  War  Labor  Board,"  "  Our  Lessons  from  England's 
Experience,"  "  Your  Agent,  the  Builder,"  and  "  A  Letter 
to  the  Architect  about  Closed  Shop  Clauses  in  Building 
Contracts."  ^^  While  there  is  much  that  is  similar  in  these 
booklets,  they  contain  powerful  arguments  against  closed- 
shop  unionism,  especially  in  the  building  industry,  and,  ac- 
cordingly, must  have  done  much  to  promote  the  open  shop. 
The  titles  suggest  well  the  substance  of  the  booklets.  Un- 
doubtedly, the  Association  had  much  to  do  with  making 
Duluth  an  open-shop  city,  for  it  has  many  times  lent  mate- 
rial aid  to  other  building  trades  than  its  own  in  their  move- 
ments for  the  open  shop,  and  it  stands  ready  to  lend  its 
whole  power  and  influence  to  the  open-shop  cause  in  any  of 
the  other  building  trades.  In  the  great  fight  in  the  build- 
ing trades  in  Washington,  D.  C,  in  1907,  the  Association 
lent  its  Commissioner,  Mr.  Drew,  to  the  employers  there 
and  he  took  general  charge  of  their  forces  and  won  the 
fight.3i 

War  Upon  the  Dynamiters. —  In  the  long  and  bitter  con- 
test between  the  Association  and  the  International  Asso- 
ciation of  Bridge  and  Structural  Iron  Workers  —  the  union 
—  Mr.  Drew  organized  a  guard  service  to  prevent  the  union 
from  dynamiting  the  iron  and  steel  structures,  and  the  work 
of  erection  was  carried  on  like  a  fort  in  a  siege  in  war.*'^ 
EflForts  were  not  spared  to  secure  evidence  against  the  union 
officers  long  suspected  by  Mr.  Drew,  and  the  events  at  Los 
Angeles  and  Indianapolis  where  these  officers   were  con- 


144  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

victed,  were  merely  sequels  to  his  campaign  in  this  field.^* 
But  his  campaign  did  not  end  with  the  Indianapolis  trial. 
After  that  trial,  the  Association  employed  Robert  J.  Foster,  a 
detective,  to  investigate  fully  the  cases  of  dynamiting  of  the 
property  of  its  members  in  the  East,  since  the  trial  did  not 
bring  out  this  matter  fully.     As  a  result,  a  confession  by 
George  Davis  that  he  had  performed  12  jobs  of  dynamiting, 
was  secured.^^     That  campaign  at  first,  like  many  of  the 
activities  of  associations,  was  conducted  with  great  secrecy, 
so  much  so  that  even  circular  letters  to  members  were  sus- 
pended  during   the   period    before   the    McNamaras    con- 
fessed.^^    These  secret  methods  were  necessary  to  the  suc- 
cess of  the  campaign,  but  they  are  also  further  proof  of  the 
belligerent  and  class-conscious  character  of  the  Association. 
Additional  proof  of  this  class  consciousness  is  to  be  found 
in  the  activities  of  Mr.  Drew  in  compiling  evidence  for  vari- 
ous associations  to  present  before  the  Commission  on  Indus- 
trial Relations,^®  —  he  was  selected  as  their  representative 
because  of  both  his  attitude  and  ability. 

Fought  Unionism  During  the  War. —  The  N.  E.  A. 
fought  bitterly  the  unionization  of  industries  in  war  time.^"^ 
It  pointed  out  the  dangers  of  unionizing  industry  as  a  war 
measure.^*  It  contended  that  the  war-time  pledge  of  organ- 
ized labor  did  not  mean  anything  ^^  and  called  attention  to 
the  demands  made  by  Mr.  Gompers  for  his  co-operation  in 
winning  the  war.^**  It  exposed  the  unpatriotic  remarks  of 
James  O'Connell,  President  of  the  Metal  Trades  Department 
of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor.^^  It  protested 
strongly  to  the  National  War  Labor  Board  that  the  ruling 
recognizing  "  the  right  of  workers  to  organize  "  was  being 
construed  by  the  unions  as  a  permit  to  carry  on  aggressive 
and  systematic  campaigns  to  unionize  the  structural  shops 
and  other  industries  of  the  country. ^^  It  suggested  to  other 
employers'  associations  that  they  adopt  similar  resolutions 
protesting  against  such  an  interpretation  being  allowed  to 


The  National  Erectors'  Association  145 

stand.  It  also  urged  the  associations  to  keep  in  close  touch 
with  the  U.  S.  Employment  Service  as  it  developed,  to  co- 
operate and  prevent  the  Service  from  being  used  for  union- 
ization purposes.  It  recommended  that  the  employer  "  set 
his  house  in  order,"  and  pay  increased  wages  to  correspond 
to  the  increased  cost  of  living  and  so  remove  conditions  that 
would  in  part  justify  union  agitation.  It  has  suggested  that 
bulletins  be  sent  to  employees  regularly,  so  that  the  work- 
men would  not  be  misled  through  false  rumors  and  misrep- 
resentation.^^ It  refused  during  the  war,  as  it  has  at  all 
other  times,  to  enter  into  negotiations  with  the  International 
Association  of  Bridge  and  Structural  Iron  Workers,  when 
this  union  sent  a  letter  of  request  for  a  conference.** 

Opposition  to  Closed-Shop  Unrelaxed. —  Since  the 
war,  it  has  not  relaxed  its  opposition  to  the  "  closed  shop." 
It  has  attacked  the  closed  shop  clauses  in  labor  contracts  and 
has  appealed  to  the  architect  not  to  make  concessions  and 
compromises  with  the  closed-shop  unions  in  order  to  avoid 
labor  troubles.  It  has  pointed  out  that  such  contracts  form 
an  unlawful  conspiracy,  that  they  increase  labor  troubles 
through  jurisdictional  disputes,  that  they  add  to  the  cost  of 
building,  that  the  tendencies  are  away  from  the  closed  shop, 
and  that  closed-shop  clauses  remove  all  checks  upon  closed- 
shop  unionism,  and  so  leave  the  owner  unprotected.  The 
Association  has  called  attention  to  the  loss  in  the  closed-shop 
city  of  San  Francisco  of  two-thirds  of  her  manufacturing 
strength  in  a  six  year  period,  and  has  contrasted  this  loss 
with  the  gains  made  by  such  open-shop  cities  as  Los  Angeles 
and  Detroit.*^  It  has  issued  a  warning  of  the  danger  of  the 
closed  shop  to  the  development  of  foreign  trade.*®  The 
National  Erectors'  Association  aided  the  Iron  League  of 
New  York  to  defeat  the  eflforts  of  the  Building  Trades 
Council  and  the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  of 
New  York  to  unionize  completely  the  erection  of  structural 
iron  work  in  the  City  of  New  York.     It  has  likewise  aided 


146  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  Iron  Leagues  of  Philadelphia  and  Chicago  to  maintain 
the  open  shop.^^ 

To  the  employers  and  others  frightened  by  the  specter  of 
Bolshevism,  the  Association  has  pointed  out  that  Bolshevism 
and  the  I.  W.  W.  are  being  held  up  as  bogies  from  v^hich  the 
acceptance  of  closed-shop  unionism  is  alleged  to  be  the  only 
escape ;  that  "  it  v^as  organized  labor  that  attempted  to  over- 
turn the  city  government  of  Seattle  and  establish  Soviet 
rule.  It  v^as  organized  labor  that  threatened  a  national  and 
international  sympathetic  strike  of  the  building  industry  in 
support  of  the  carpenters'  violation  of  their  trade  agreement, 
and  it  is  organized  labor  that  today  is  tying  up  the  port  of 
New  York  in  a  general  strike  in  violation  of  the  decision  of 
the  War  Labor  Board,  a  government  body.  Not  even  the 
Bolsheviki  or  the  I.  W.  W.  furnish  much  stronger  examples 
of  anti-social  action."  ^* 

Legislative  and  Governmental  Activities. —  In  the  field 
of  legislation,  the  Association  favors  compulsory  arbitration 
of  labor  disputes  affecting  public  utilities,  at  least  for  making 
strikes  illegal  when  such  utilities  are  involved.  The  Asso- 
ciation has  urged  that  careful  scrutiny  be  made  of  the  pro- 
posal to  exclude  immigrants  from  this  country  for  a  period 
of  five  years.  It  has  opposed  appropriations  for  the  U.  S. 
Employment  Service  on  the  grounds  that  the  Service  was  in- 
efficient and  unfair,  but  advocated  the  establishment  of  "  an 
efficient  and  non-partisan  "  Service. ^^  It  also  seeks  legisla- 
tion or  court  decisions  to  make  the  unions  financially  re- 
sponsible for  the  acts  of  their  agents  and  officers.  It  argues 
for  such  legislation  or  decisions  on  the  grounds  that  gener- 
ally the  union  is  not  responsible  under  the  law.  so  that  dam- 
age suits  for  wrongs  done  to  others,  or  injunction  suits  to 
prevent  the  doing  of  a  threatened  unlawful  injury,  may  not 
be  brought  against  the  union  but  only  the  individual  mem- 
bers.    The  union  is  generally  immune,  and  its  funds  accord- 


The  National  Erectors'  Association  147 

ingly  may  not  be  levied  upon  for  damages  to  a  person  whom 
it  may  unlawfully  injure.*^ 

It  has  protested  to  the  National  War  Labor  Board  against 
representatives  of  that  Board  being  advertised  to  address 
union  organization  meetings.^^  It  protested  to  the  U.  S. 
Railroad  Labor  Board  against  national  boards  of  adjust- 
ment, national  agreements,  and  standardization  of  working 
conditions  on  the  railroads.  It  contends  that  such  condi- 
tions would  deprive  the  "  railroad  officials  of  reasonable  and 
necessary  powers  of  discipline  and  control."  ^^  It  also 
urged  the  Railway  Executives'  Committee  not  to  yield  on 
these  points.^^  It  has  thus  endeavored  to  prevent  govern- 
mental agencies  from  lending  their  support  to  closed-shop 
unionism. 

The  Association  has  driven  an  iron  wedge  into  the  closed- 
shop  system  of  the  building  industry,  and  is  endeavoring  to 
split  wide  open  the  entire  closed-shop  system  of  unionism.^^ 

Other  Associations  in  the  Iron  and  Steel  Industry. — 
We  shall  turn  next  to  a  study  of  the  associations  in  the  build- 
ing industry,  in  order  better  to  understand  how  they  operate 
under  the  closed-shop  system.  But  before  doing  so,  let  us 
first  glance  over  the  field  of  associations  in  the  iron  and  steel 
industry. 

There  are  in  the  various  specialized  iron  and  steel  indus- 
tries, a  number  of  associations  other  than  those  discussed. 
The  limit  of  space  in  this  book  would  forbid  an  extended 
discussion  of  all  of  them,  were  it  otherwise  desirable. 
Roughly,  these  other  associations  may  be  likened  to  one  of 
the  four  organizations  previously  described,  or  to  others  yet 
to  be  discussed.  Let  us  take  a  few  instances.  The  United 
Metal  Trades  Association  of  the  Pacific  Coast  closely  resem- 
bles the  National  Founders'  Association  in  policy  and  activi- 
ties, although  it  includes  in  its  classification  machinists  as 


148  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

well  as  molders.^^     The  California  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion, until  recently,  was  similar  to  the  Stove  Founders'  Na- 
tional Defense  Association  in  policy  and  activities,  but  as  it  is 
now   belligerent,   it   resembles   more   closely   the   National 
Founders'  Association.^^     The  Metal  Manufacturers'  Asso- 
ciation of  Philadelphia  is  like  a  branch  of  the  National  Metal 
Trades  Association  in  all  respects  except  that  its  member- 
ship is  open  to  a  wider  range  of  concerns. ^^     A  few  asso- 
ciations in  this  group  limit  their  activities  in  the  labor  field 
to  setting  forth  the  employers'  viewpoint.     These  may  also 
properly  be  classed  in  the  group  of  propaganda  associations 
and  be  likened  to  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers. 
Comparison  of  Associations. —  A  comparison  of  these 
associations  in  the  iron  and  steel  industry  brings  out  some 
interesting    and    instructive   points.     The    National    Metal 
Trades  Association,  the  National  Founders'  Association  and 
the  National  Erectors'  Association  are  all  belligerent.     Two 
of  them  are  in  competitive  industries,  one  in  a  monopolized 
industry,  but  all  have  to  fight  unions  intrenched  elsewhere 
in  closed  shops.     All  have  a  system  of  combating  strikes  and 
an  extended  secret  service.     All  are  opposed  to  labor  legisla- 
tion and  all  conduct  a  propaganda  to  discredit  closed-shop 
unionism. 

On  the  other  hand,  there  are  many  points  of  contrast 
among  the  four  associations.  The  National  Metal  Trades 
Association  and  the  National  Founders'  Association  have  a 
large  number  of  members  while  the  National  Erectors'  As- 
sociation and  the  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Asso- 
ciation have  relatively  a  small  number.  However,  all  are 
powerful  organizations  in  their  respective  fields.  In  con- 
trast with  the  others,  the  National  Erectors'  Association  has 
a  rather  informal  organization.  Unlike  the  others,  the  Na- 
tional Metal  Trades  Association  is  distinctive  in  its  method 
of  operating  to  a  great  extent  through  its  branches.  Its 
branch  system  is  sometimes  a  source  of  weakness.  Although 
all  have  district  organizations,  the  functions  performed  by 


The  National  Erectors'  Association  149 

the  district  committees,  for  instance,  vary  considerably 
among  the  associations.  On  account  of  the  peculiar  condi- 
tions of  the  special  industry,  each  association  has  adopted  a 
method  of  combating  strikes  differing  distinctly  from  that 
employed  by  the  others.  The  National  Metal  Trades  Asso- 
ciation combats  certain  strikes  through  its  branches  almost 
exclusively.  The  National  Erectors'  Association  has  never 
used  an  injunction  in  strikes.  The  Stove  Founders'  Na- 
tional Defense  Association  has  no  regular  corps  of  strike 
breakers.  The  skill  required  of  the  workmen,  whether  little 
or  much,  is  a  large  factor  in  the  method  of  strike  breaking 
used  by  the  associations.  The  less  skilled  workman  may  be 
easily  replaced,  but  he  is  usually  more  violent  than  the  skilled 
workman.  The  structural  iron  worker  is  the  least  skilled 
and  the  most  violent,  while  the  machinist  is  the  most  highly 
skilled  and  the  least  violent. 

REFERENCES 

iN(3)'20  Letter  from  the  Association;  see  also  Je(i)'i7  Letter; 
Limiting  Federal  Injunctions,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  the 
Judiciary,  U.  S.  Senate,  on  H.  R.  23635.  1912,  p.  201,  (Abv.  '12  S  I  H)  ; 
Grant :  The  National  Erectors'  Association  and  the  International  As- 
sociation of  Bridge  and  Structural  Iron  Workers,  p.  11,  (Abv.  Grant) 
Open  Shop,  Brief  History  .  .  .  National  Erectors'  Association,  pp. 
6-7.  (Abv.  Open).  2  open  6;  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  Na- 
tional Erectors'  Association,  (Typewritten,  Abv.  Const).  ^'12  S  I  H 
;20l ;  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Convention  of  the  National  As- 
sociation of  Manufacturers,  1911,  p.  157,  (Abv.  '11  N  A  M)  ;  cf.  Grant 
17;  Structural  Iron  and  Steel. Fabricators  Submit  Statement  to  National 
War  Labor  Board,  (Abv.  Structural).  *  Open  7.  "^Industrial  Rela- 
tions, Final  Report  and  Testimony,  Commission  on  Industrial  Rela- 
tions, p.  1609,  (Abv.  Ind  Rel)  ;  Open  8;  Situation  in  the  Structural 
Iron  Industry  in  New  York,  (Abv.  Situation).  ^  Const;  Open  5;  see 
also  Grant  11.  14.  '^  Ind  Rel  10758.  ^  Const ;  see  also  '12  S  I  H 
201-203;  Open  8.  "  Open  8-9;  see  also  '12  S  I  H  203.  1°  '12  S  I  H  204; 
Ind  Rel  10766-7.  "Open  11-19;  '12  S  I  H  202-203.  ^- Open  14-15; 
Grant  11-13,  144-145;  see  also  '12  S  I  H  203.  ^^  Open  13-14;  '12 
S  I  H  203.  1*  Open  16.  i'  Open  17.  *®  Progress  in  Industrial  Free- 
dom in  1906.  7-8;  Open  Shop  in  Steel  and  Iron  Erection  Work,  4; 
My  '20  Monthly  Bulletin,  Building  Construction  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation of  Chicago,  8.  '^N(3)'20  Letter;  Mr(i5)'ig  Letter.  '*  Open 
9.    i»My(i)'o6  American  Industries  15.   (Abv.  Am  Ind);  Open  8,  9- 


150         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

20  open  10.  21  ind  Rel  10763.  ^^  Je  '08  The  Square  Deal  37-43,  (Abv. 
Sq  D)  ;  Trade  Unionism,  a  Constructive  Criticism,  (Abv.  Trade). 
23  '12  S  I  H  20iff.  2*  Closed  Shop  vs  the  Building  Industry;  '12  S  I  H 
218-219,  250.  26 ji  12  Am  Ind  10.  26  0(i3)'i7  Danbury  News;  D 
'17  Review  (N  F  A)  492,  (Abv.  Rev)  ;  see  also  Synopsis  of  Proceed- 
ings, Twenty-Second  Annual  Convention,  National  Metal  Trades  As- 
sociation,i  49-52.  ^''F(5)'is  Letter;  Situation;  My  '20  Open  Shop 
Review  180,  (Abv.  O  S  Rev).  28  ind  Rgj  10757.  29  Publications,  Na- 
tional Industrial  Conference  Board ;  Membership  List,  National  Council 
for  Industrial  Defense.  ^^  Booklets  themselves;  D  '08  Sq  D  i.  ^^  Open 
18;  O  '08  Sq  D  82-83;  0(i)'07  Am  Ind  5-6;  Ind  Rel  1073 1 ;  see  also 
F(is)'i6  Letter.  ^2 '12  S  I  H  20iff,  211;  Ap  '14  Rev  159;  '11  N  A  M 
157.  »^Ja(2)'i3  Iron  Age  107-^108;  Sq  D  8:  53f>-S3i.  ^*Ja  '14  In- 
dustrial Reporter  6.  35  q  '12  Sq  D  242.  36  q  '14  Bulletin,  National 
Metal  Trades  Association,  8;  D  '14  Rev  584;  Ind  Rel  10757.  3^0 
(24) '17  Letter.  38  Unionizing  Industry  as  a  War  Measure.  3o  -phe  War 
Time  Pledge  of  Organized  Labor.  **'  The  Policy  of  Organized  Labor 
in  the  War.  *i  Duty  of  Organized  Labor  in  War  Time.  *2  Struc- 
tural; also  N  '18  O  S  Rev  434-435-  ^3Au(7)'i8  Letter.  **  N  '17 
Rev  454-457.  *^  A  Letter  to  the  Architect  about  Closed  Shop  Clauses 
in  Building  Contracts.  *®  Our  Lesson  from  England's  Experience. 
*7  My(28)'20  Letter.  *^  Mr(i5)'i9  Letter;  Ap  '19  O  S  Rev  145.  «  Mr 
(i5)'i9  Letter,  ^o  Trade;  N  '19  O  S  Rev  460-461.  5iMr(i5)'i9  Let- 
ter. ^2  S(3)'20  Letter.  ^3  Qpen  22.  5*  F  '09  Rev  20;  Jl  '07  Rev  19-20; 
Je  '09  Rev  36-38.  55  Je  'og  Rev  39-42;  Mr  '11  Rev  5-8;  Mr  '20  Am 
Ind  26-27.  ^6  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  Metal  Manufacturers'  Asso- 
ciation of  Philadelphia;  Metal  Manufacturers'  Association  of  Phila- 
delphia, What  It  Is;  0(29) '20  Letter,  M.  M.  A.  P. 


PART  II 
ASSOCIATIONS  IN  THE  BUILDING  INDUSTRY 


CHAPTER  VI 

THE  BUILDING  TRADES  EMPLOYERS' 
ASSOCIATION  OF  THE  CITY  OF  NEW  YORK 

Trade  agreements  are  more  common  in  the  building  in- 
dustry than  perhaps  in  any  other.  Building  associations  are 
predominantly  local,  and  the  agreements  are  usually  made 
between  a  trade  union  and  a  trade  association  affiliated  with 
a  federated  association  of  a  city.  For  the  purpose  of  study- 
ing such  associations,  we  have  chosen  the  Building  Trades 
Employers'  Association  of  the  City  of  New  York  with  its 
affiliated  organizations,  and  the  Building  Construction  Em- 
ployers' Association  of  Chicago  with  its  federated  bodies. 

Membership. —  The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation of  the  City  of  New  York  has,  in  Greater  New  York 
and  Hudson  County,  N.  J.,  a  total  of  over  950  members. 
Of  these,  two  are  honorary  members,  and  the  remainder  are 
business  concerns,  of  which  nearly  10  per  cent  are  associate 
members,  nearly  two  per  cent  individual  members,  and  nearly 
89  per  cent  represented  members.^  Honorary  members  are 
the  commissioners  or  superintendents  of  the  departments  of 
the  City  of  New  York  connected  with  the  building  industry, 
while  they  hold  such  office.  Associate  members  are  those 
persons,  firms  and  corporations  engaged  directly  or  indirectly 
in  the  building  industry  in  the  City  of  New  York  and  vicin- 
ity, not  eligible  to  represented  or  individual  membership. 
Individual  members  are  concerns  which  belong  to  the  Asso- 
ciation directly  and  are  not  members  of  a  trade  association 
affiliated  with  the  Association.  Represented  members  are 
concerns  which  are  connected  with  the  32  trade  associations 

153 


154  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

affiliated  with  the  Association.  The  real  membership  is  con- 
fined to  the  individual  and  represented  members,  who  alone 
have  the  right  to  vote  on  officers  and  measures  before  the 
Association  for  consideration.^  "  Any  person,  firm  or  cor- 
poration who  or  which  employs  labor  in  the  building  in- 
dustry, or  who  has  his,  or  which  has  its  individual  capital 
invested  in  such  business,  or  in  any  business  affiliated  there- 
with, or  any  person  who,  on  the  date  of  the  formation  of  this 
Association  was  in  good  standing  in  the  Building  Trades 
Association  of  the  City  of  New  York,  shall  be  eligible  to 
membership."  ^ 

The  Objects  of  this  Association  are: 

to  foster  the  interests  of  those  engaged  in  the  erection  and  con- 
struction of  buildings  and  other  structures,  to  reform  abuses 
relating  to  the  business  of  persons  so  engaged,  to  secure  free- 
dom from  unjust  and  unlawful  exactions,  to  obtain  and  diffuse 
accurate  and  reliable  information  as  to  all  matters  affecting 
such  persons,  to  procure  uniformity,  harmony  and  certainty  in 
the  relations  existing  between  employers,  employees,  mechanics 
and  laborers,  and  in  all  lawful  ways  to  promote  and  protect  the 
business  interests  of  the  members  of  this  Association,  but  there 
is  no  intention  nor  shall  there  be  any  action  on  the  part  of  this 
Association  to  control  or  in  any  way  deal  with  prices  or  restrict 
competition."  * 

The  Government  of  the  Association  is  carried  on  by  a 
Board  of  Governors,  which  is  composed  of  representatives 
from  the  affiliated  associations.  Each  affiliated  association 
with  15  or  more  members  has  three  representatives  on  the 
Board;  other  associations,  with  fewer  than  15  members,  may 
have  fewer  representatives,  usually  one  each  for  every  five 
members.^  The  vote  cast  by  any  representation  of  a  trade 
association  is  one  for  every  five  members  in  the  association. 
The  Board  of  Governors  has  entire  jurisdiction  over  the  af- 
fairs of  the  Association.^  It  has  control  of  all  standing 
committees,'^  which  are  the  Executive  Committee,  the  House 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         155 

Committee,  the  Finance  Committee  and  the  Membership 
Committee;  and  of  other  committees  such  as  the  Industrial 
Improvement  Committee,  the  Grievance  Committee,  the 
Committee  on  City  Departments,  the  Resolution  Committee, 
the  Legislative  Committee,  the  Bond  Committee,  the  Fines 
Committee,  and  the  Committee  on  Trade  Agreements.  The 
Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Governors  selects  seven  of  the 
members  of  the  Board  to  sit  with  him  and  the  elective  officers 
of  the  Association  as  an  Executive  Committee.^  The  Board 
also  elects  the  members  of  the  Finance  Committee  and  the 
House  Committee;  and,  as  the  Membership  Committee  is 
composed  of  the  Executive,  the  House,  and  the  Finance 
Committees,  the  determination  of  that  committee  rests  with 
the  Board.  The  Board  has  power  to  decide  all  controversies, 
difficulties  and  differences  arising  between  the  members  of 
the  Association  and  their  employees ;  to  determine  and  regu- 
late the  conduct  of  the  members  of  the  Association  relative 
to  such  controversies,  difficulties  and  disputes;  to  decide  all 
disputes  and  disagreements  arising  between  the  affiliated 
trade  associations  and  the  organizations  of  employees ;  to 
decide  all  controversies,  difficulties  and  differences  arising 
between  the  various  affiliated  trade  associations  and  to  regu- 
late and  control  their  conduct  with  regard  to  such  disputes. 
In  fact,  the  Board  has  the  general  power  to  regulate  any  and 
all  matters  affecting  the  building  industry  in  so  far  as  the 
business  interests  of  the  members  of  the  Association  are  con- 
cerned. The  Board  may  delegate  to  committees  any  or  all 
of  its  powers  but  that  of  the  imposition  of  penalties.^  Fi- 
nally, the  Constitution  provides  that :  "  The  decisions,  orders, 
prohibitions  and  regulations  of  the  Board  of  Governors  shall 
be  final  and  obligatory  upon  each  and  every  member  of  this 
Association,  and  shall  be  complied  with,  obeyed  and  observed 
in  good  faith  by  every  such  member."  ^"^  "  In  order  to  in- 
sure the  compliance  with  and  obedience  to  the  decisions,  or- 
ders, prohibitions  and  regulations  of  the  Board  of  Gov- 


156  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

emors,  all  rq>resented  and  individual  members  shall  give 
bonds  to  this  Association.  The  form  and  amount  of  such 
bonds  shall  be  determined  by  and  satisfactory  to  the  Board 
of  Governors."  ^^  Such  a  bond  enables  the  Board  to  levy 
and  collect  fines  more  easily  than  were  the  member  not 
bonded  or  bound  in  some  other  manner,  since  it  subjects  the 
offending  member  to  heavy  loss  by  expulsion  and  forfeiture 
of  his  bond. 

The  Board  has  issued  a  number  of  prohibitions,  orders, 
decisions,  recommendations,  etc.,  among  which  are  in  sub- 
stance the  following:  The  Board  forbids  any  member  to 
contribute  any  money  to  labor  organizations,  to  pay  for 
space  in  their  publications,  to  "  exhibit  or  contribute  towards 
any  float  or  exhibit  of  any  kind  for  the  Labor  Day  parade," 
or  to  pay  any  money  to  any  labor  representative  to  influence 
his  acts  —  that  is,  commit  bribery  or  submit  to  extortion. ^^ 
The  Board  has  ordered  members  not  to  pay  wages  for  wait- 
ing time,  or  any  time  for  which  they  have  received  no  serv- 
ice. It  has  prohibited  any  individual  or  represented  mem- 
ber from  making  a  verbal  or  written  agreement  with  any 
labor  union  or  its  members  to  work  for  him  on  any  other 
terms  than  those  embodied  in  the  trade  agreement  in  that 
trade  between  the  trade  association  and  the  union. ^^  It  has 
ruled  that  the  "  Association  will  deal  with  unions  in  the 
building  trades  only  so  long  as  labor  disputes  are  adjusted 
by  conference  or  arbitration,  and  will  not  tolerate  strikes  of 
any  kind  against  members  of  this  Association^*;"  that  the 
"  Association  stands  for  the  principle  of  arbitration  ";"  and 
that  every  member  having  a  strike  called  on  him  must  notify 
his  trade  association  and  the  Emergency  Committee  of  the 
fact  at  once.^*  It  also  requires  that  individual  members 
must  observe  the  orders  of  the  Board  relating  to  the  trade 
associations  in  the  trades  where  such  members  operate.^  ^  It 
has  held  that  its  decisions  on  trade  jurisdictions  shall  be 
maintained  until  reviewed  by  a  duly  authorized  arbitration 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         157 

board  of  employers  and  employees.^®  It  has  decided  that  it 
will  not  take  up  disputes  between  the  unions  and  non-Asso- 
ciation sub-contractors  where  the  Association  member  in- 
volved could  have  sublet  the  contract  to  another  Association 
member.  ^^  It  has  ordered  that  members  regard  communica- 
tions from  the  Association  officers  to  the  members  as  strictly 
confidential,  intended  for  their  use  only,  and  not  to  be  shown 
to  labor  leaders. ^^  The  Board  has  strongly  recommended 
that  all  contracts  provide  that  any  and  all  labor  employed 
under  the  contract  shall  be  only  that  recognized  by  the  Asso- 
ciation.^^ It  has  given  the  Finance  Committee  power  to  cite 
a  member  to  show  that  his  rating  for  payment  of  reserve- 
fund  dues  is  correct,  and  if  not  to  report  the  case  to  the 
Board  itself  for  action,  but,  in  1920,  this  procedure  was 
supplanted  by  an  audit  under  the  supervision  of  the  Finance 
Committee  or  by  a  certificate  of  a  certified  public  accountant 
v/ho  had  audited  the  books  of  the  member.^^ 

After  a  formal  complaint  has  been  made  and  an  oppor- 
tunity for  defense  has  been  given,  the  Board  has  power,  for 
any  cause  which  it  may  deem  sufficient,  to  suspend,  fine  or 
expel  members  of  the  Association.^^  Through  this  Consti- 
tutional provision,  the  Board  can  enforce  its  orders,  prohi- 
bitions, and  decisions. 

The  elective  officers  of  the  Association  are  a  President,  a 
First  and  a  Second  Vice-President,  a  Treasurer,  and  a  Chair- 
man of  the  Board  of  Governors.  The  Secretary  is  appointed 
by  and  is  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Governors,  and 
is  a  salaried  officer.  These  officers  perform  the  usual  duties 
of  such  offices.  However,  the  President  is  ex-officio  mem- 
ber of  all  committees;  the  First  Vice-President  is  a  member 
of  the  House  Committee;  the  Second  Vice-President  of  the 
Finance  Committee ;  and  all  the  elective  officers  are  ex-officio 
members  of  the  Board  of  Governors.^^ 

Subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Board  of  Governors,  the 
Finance  Committee  has  direct  charge  of  the  finances  of  the 


158  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Association.  This  Committee  must  submit  annually  to  the 
Board  of  Governors  for  approval  a  budget  for  both  the  gen- 
eral-fund and  reserve-fund  expenditures  for  the  ensuing 
year.  No  expenditures  from  the  general  fund  in  excess  of 
that  provided  for  in  the  budget  may  be  made  without  the 
approval  of  the  Board  of  Governors.  The  reserve-fund  ex- 
penditures are  under  the  sole  jurisdiction  of  this  Board. 
The  reserve  fund  is  made  up  of  the  money  collected  as  re- 
serve-fund dues,  while  the  general  fund  is  derived  from  all 
other  dues  and  other  amounts  received.  The  general  fund 
is  used  to  pay  general  operating  expenses  as  contrasted  with 
the  reserve  fund,  whith  is  reserved  for  unusual  or  emergency 
expenses.^^ 

Dues. —  The  Association  derives  its  reverme  from  initia- 
tion fees,  annual  dues,  fines,  sales  and  from  reserve-fund  as- 
sessments.^^ The  initiation  fees  are  as  follows :  a  repre- 
sented or  associate  member  pays  $25,  and  an  individual 
member,  $50,  and  in  addition  the  initiation  fee  required  for 
membership  in  the  trade  association,  if  any  such  organization 
exists  in  his  line  of  business.  The  annual  dues  of  a 
represented  or  individual  member  are  $30,  and  of  an  asso- 
ciate member,  $40.^^  In  addition  to  the  annual  dues,  repre- 
sented and  individual  members  are  required  to  pay  reserve- 
fund  dues  on  the  basis  of  the  amount  of  business  that  the 
member  transacted  during  the  previous  year.  For  the  pur- 
pose of  assessment,  classes  A  to  FF  have  been  made,  and 
limits  are  set  for  each  class.  For  illustration,  class  A  com- 
prises those  who  transacted  for  the  previous  year  less  than 
$15,000  of  business,  and  the  rate  is  levied  on  this  amount. 
Class  B  consists  of  those  whose  yearly  business  was  between 
$15,000  and  $25,000  and  the  amount  levied  on  is  $20,000, 
or  the  average  of  the  limits ;  and  so  on  up  to  class  FF,  which 
includes  those  who  transacted  business  in  excess  of  $10,- 
000,000,  and  on  this  amount  the  assessment  is  levied.  The 
annual  reserve-fund  assessment  is  fixed  at  one-tenth  of  one 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         159 

per  cent  of  the  amount  for  each  class  as  stated  above;  ex- 
cept that  when  the  amount  in  the  reserve  fund  exceeds  the 
sum  of  $300,000,  the  Board  of  Governors  must  suspend  or 
reduce  the  assessment.  The  hmits  betv^een  which  the  re- 
serve fund  is  to  be  maintained  are  $250,000  as  a  minimum 
and  $300,000  as  a  maximum. ^^  In  1920  the  minimum  re- 
serve fund  dues  were  increased  50  per  cent  and  the  annual 
reserve  fund  dues  were  increased  from  one-twentieth  to  one- 
tenth,  or  100  per  cent.^^ 

The  Constitution  provides  that  all  trade  associations  rep- 
resented on  the  Board  of  Governors  must  comply  with  all 
the  requirements  of  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws.^^ 

One  of  these  requirements  relates  directly  to  the  relations 
between  the  trade  unions  and  the  trade  associations.  The 
Constitution  requires  that  all  proposed  agreements  between 
the  trade  associations  affiliated  with  the  Association,  on  one 
hand,  and  the  trade  unions  on  the  other,  or  between  any 
member  of  the  Association  and  any  trade  union  or  unions, 
must  be  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Governors  and  appro-C^ed 
by  it  before  being  placed  in  execution.^^  Moreover,  "  In- 
dividual members  are  bound  by  the  agreements  and  condi- 
tions which  govern  the  trade  association  in  the  trade  or 
trades  in  which  they  are  engaged."  ^^  As  we  have  seen, 
represented  or  individual  members  are  not  permitted  to  make 
individual  contracts  that  do  not  conform  to  those  approved.^** 
So  the  Association  is  thus  responsible  for  any  and  all  such 
agreements,  some  of  which  have  been  severely  condemned 
by  belligerent  associations,  such  as  the  National  Erectors' 
Association,  on  the  ground  that  such  agreements  formed 
combinations  in  restraint  of  trade. ^^ 

A  provision  of  the  Constitution  that  has  also  been  con- 
demned relates  to  the  sub-contracting  of  one  member  with 
another  —  a  provision  that  is  understood  by  the  Association 
to  mean  more  than  a  patronage  list.  The  provision  reads : 
"  To  promote  and  maintain  harmony  between  the  different 


i6o         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

trades  it  is  recommended  that  the  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation shall  place  all  orders  for  work  requiring  labor  at  the 
building  in  any  trade  represented  on  the  Board  of  Governors 
with  members  of  this  Association."  ^^  The  Constitution 
also  provides  for  a  reduction  of  reserve-fund  dues  of  a 
member  who  sublets  work  to  represented  or  individual  mem- 
bers, to  the  amount  of  the  assessment  of  the  sum  in  the  sub- 
contract, if  the  residue  is  above  the  minimum  requirement.^^ 
A  member  who  sublets  contracts  to  others  than  such  members 
is  not  protected  in  case  a  labor  dispute  arises  on  the  work.^* 
So  it  is  apparent  that  recommended  in  this  provision  has 
virtually  the  force  of  commanded, ^^  for  the  Board  has  de- 
cided that,  "  It  is  essential  for  the  best  interest  of  the  Build- 
ing Trades  Employers'  Association  that  this  clause  be  lived 
up  to  by  the  members  more  strictly  even  than  the  clause  re- 
quires." ^® 

Evolution. —  The  Association  was  organized  in  1903, 
and  was  the  successor  of  the  Building  Trades  Association  of 
the  City  of  New  York,  which  had  existed  rather  precariously 
for  some  ten  or  fifteen  years,  and  seems  to  have  borne  several 
names  during  that  period.^ ''^  From  1898  to  1903,  the  build- 
ing-trades employers  had  even  more  trouble  with  labor  or- 
ganizations than  ever  before.  For  when  Sam  Parks  came  to 
New  York  City  in  1898  —  in  the  words  of  a  former  Presi- 
dent of  the  Association  — "  the  conditions  became  unbear- 
able in  our  industry;  and  in  1903  we  had  reached  such  a 
crucial  condition  that  we  were  compelled  to  do  something 
for  our  salvation."  ^^  Sam  Parks  was  the  leader  of  the 
business  agents  of  labor  organizations  in  the  building  trades, 
and  levied  and  enforced  so  heavy  a  tribute  upon  the  con- 
tractors that  they  rebelled.-^''  Mr.  Lewis  Harding  thus  de- 
scribed the  situation  prior  to  the  formation  of  the  Associa- 
tion, a  situation  resulting  from  the  domination  by  that  body 
of  business  agents :  "  They  met  there  and  many  of  them 
never  had  the  authority  of  their  organization  to  be  there  at 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         i6i 

all ;  but  they  held  their  organization  to  account  and  were 
able  to  pull  them  [the  workmen]  out  on  strikes  for  any 
whim  or  any  order  that  the  central  body  of  business  agents 
dictated  to  any  particular  branch  of  mechanics  in  the  build- 
ing trade.  They  were  ready  to  obey  their  call.  We  had 
got  to  the  point  where  we  saw  that  we  must  organize  to  com- 
bat that  principle  or  our  industry  would  be  ruined.  Just 
prior  to  the  organization  of  the  Building  Trades  Employers' 
Association,  the  building  industry  for  eleven  weeks  was  prac- 
tically at  a  standstill  in  New  York  City  and  many  very  large 
buildings  were  held  over  and  not  completed  until  this  fall 
[1904]  that  should  have  been  ready  for  tenants  the  first  of 
May,  for  the  reason  that  two  unions  in  one  trade,  one  a  very 
old  one  and  another  a  powerful  one  that  had  been  organized 
within  the  last  few  years,  got  to  scrapping  among  them- 
selves." *^  The  thirty-odd  trade  associations  in  the  build- 
ing trades  came  together  and  formed  the  Association,  and  a 
war  between  it  and  the  unions  began.  It  was  the  perfecting 
of  an  old  organization  rather  than  the  formation  of  a  new 
one,  a  higher  type  of  combination  made  necessary  by  the 
widening  of  the  conflict. 

The  Association  began  the  fight  aggressively.  It  de- 
clared a  general  lockout  in  all  the  building  trades.  The 
various  trade  associations  affiliated  with  the  Association 
broke  all  their  contracts  with  the  unions.^*  The  investors 
in  real  estate  co-operated  with  the  Association,  and  allowed 
the  buildings  to  remain  unfinished  without  penalty  to  the 
building  employers  for  failure  to  finish  on  contract  time.*^ 
The  newspapers  were  enlisted  in  the  cause  through  a  com- 
mittee from  the  Association.  This  committee  called  upon 
the  editors  first  .to  ascertain  whether  public  sentiment  would 
sustain  the  Association  in  the  lockout,  and  second  whether 
the  newspapers  would  publish  the  statements  sent  in  by  the 
Association  if  the  employers  would  guarantee  every  state- 
ment to  be  true.     Statements  were  sent  in  and  published 


i62  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

from  day  to  day  as  the  situation  changed,  and  pubHc  senti- 
ment became  favorable  to  the  employers.  Even  the  rank 
and  file  of  the  labor  unions  in  a  few  weeks  were  so  strongly 
affected  by  this  publicity  feature  of  the  Association  that  dis- 
sension sprang  up  between  them  and  their  leaders.^^  A 
number  of  the  leaders  were  prosecuted  for  grafting,  Sam 
Parks,  the  main  leader,  and  a  number  of  other  leaders  were 
convicted  and  sent  to  prison.^^  Meanwhile,  violence  was 
going  on.  The  Association  engaged  between  lOO  and  150 
detectives  to  find  out  and  report  on  the  plans  of  the  unions 
in  this  field.  According  to  Mr.  Eidlitz,  a  prominent  mem- 
ber and  ofificer  of  the  Association,  it  forestalled  by  this 
method  violent  acts  in  "  some  235  distinct  cases  where  plans 
had  been  prepared  and  plans  made  to  injure  certain  men  in 
certain  trades."  ^^  As  the  fight  went  on  more  detectives 
were  employed  and  these  were  set  to  work  to  run  down  every 
clew  to  threatened  injury,  and  to  have  the  police  brought  in 
at  the  critical  moment.  A  few  of  the  unions  joined  in  a 
conference  offered  by  the  Association  and  came  to  terms  with 
the  employers  on  a  plan  of  conciliation,  but  many  of  the 
unions  refused  to  deal  with  the  Association.'*®  However,  as 
the  fight  progressed,  the  members  of  the  unions  weakened 
in  their  loyalty  to  their  leaders,  partly  because  the  fight  was 
long  drawn  out,  partly  because  the  daily  statements  of  the 
Association  in  the  newspapers  caused  the  members  of  the 
unions  to  believe  that  their  leaders  had  misled  them.  Under 
these  conditions,  the  Association  called  of¥  its  lockouts  and 
notified  the  unions  that  if  they  did  not  call  off  their  strikes, 
men  would  be  employed  individually  to  take  the  places  of 
such  of  their  members  as  did  not  return  to  work.  Opera- 
tions began  and  men  were  employed  individually  in  cases 
where  the  union  did  not  call  off  its  strike,  or  where  a  rival 
union  was  not  formed  by  the  Association  of  the  insurgents 
from  the  old  union.*^  A  General  Arbitration  Board  was  or- 
ganized to  settle  all  disputes  in  the  future.^®     In  the  course 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         163 

of  time,  practically  all  the  unions  came  in  under  the  plan 
for  arbitration,  although  the  Housesmith's  Union  soon  re- 
pudiated the  plan,  and  it  was  the  greatest  trouble  maker.*® 

The  General  Arbitration  Board  of  the  New  York  Build- 
ing Trades  handled  practically  all  of  the  disputes  arising  in 
the  building  trades  from  1904  to  191  o.  The  agreement  pro- 
viding for  this  Board  was  broken  off  in  1910,  but  the  unions 
and  the  trade  associations  in  the  building  trades  abided  by 
many  of  the  decisions  and  worked  under  a  few  of  the  pro- 
visions of  that  agreement.*^  A  new  agreement  was  formed 
and  took  effect  on  January  i,  1920.^*^  The  greater  number 
of  the  decisions  under  the  old  plan  were  rendered  by  an  Ex- 
ecutive Committee  of  the  General  Arbitration  Board,  and 
according  to  the  published  decisions,  a  considerable  portion 
of  the  disputes  adjudged  involved  the  matter  of  jurisdiction 
of  trades  between  the  unions.  In  some  cases  an  umpire  was 
called  in,  but  generally  the  use  of  an  umpire  was  disliked  by 
both  sides.  But  in  those  cases  only,  in  the  strict  sense  of 
the  word,  was  there  arbitration,  since  otherwise  the  so-called 
arbitration  provided  for  the  settling  of  disputes  between  the 
unions  and  the  associations  by  the  unions  and  associations, 
a  scheme  best  designated  as  conciliation.  Under  this  plan, 
unions  were  prohibited  from  calling  strikes  against  any 
member  of  the  Association,  and  the  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation from  ordering  any  lockout.  The  employers  agreed 
to  employ  union  men  exclusively,  either  directly  or  indirectly 
through  sub-contractors,  except  where  the  union  was  not 
represented  on  the  General  Arbitration  Board. ^^ 

The  plan  involved  several  bodies. ^^  The  General  Arbi- 
tration Board  was  made  up  of  two  representatives  from  each 
of  the  trade  associations  affiliated  with  the  Association,  and 
two  representatives  from  each  of  the  unions  that  were  par- 
ties to  the  plan  —  a  total  of  about  120  members  or  repre- 
sentatives. An  Executive  Committee  of  twelve  was  formed 
from  the  members  of  the  General  Board.     The  union  mem- 


164         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

bers  of  the  General  Board  selected  six  of  their  number  and 
the  employers  likewise  selected  six  of  their  members,  and 
these  twelve  constituted  the  Executive  Committee.  The  Ex- 
ecutive Committee  decided  the  disputes  subject  to  appeal  to 
the  General  Board  by  either  party  to  the  dispute.  Special 
Arbitration  Boards  consisting  of  four  or  more  members 
chosen  from  the  General  Board  were  provided  for  to  deal 
with  cases  referred  to  them  by  either  the  General  Board  or 
the  Executive  Committee  of  that  Board.  A  trade  board  was 
organized  wherever  a  trade  agreement  existed  between  a 
union  and  an  association  in  one  of  the  various  trades,  and  its 
decisions  were  final  and  binding  in  all  disputes.  If  a  trade 
board  failed  to  reach  a  decision,  an  umpire  might  be  called 
in,  but  if  no  umpire  could  be  agreed  upon,  or  either  side 
failed  to  abide  by  the  decision  when  such  was  reached,  then 
the  matter  was  referred  to  the  General  Board  for  action. 
The  Executive  Committee  also  could  refer  to  an  umpire  a 
matter  on  which  it  could  reach  no  decision.^^  One  note- 
worthy provision  of  this  Joint  Arbitration  Plan  was  that, 
"  No  lawyer  is  to  act  as  an  arbitrator,  counsel  or  advisor  at 
any  proceedings  held  under  this  Plan."  ^*  Nor  could  a  party 
to  the  dispute  act  as  an  arbitrator.^^  The  arbitrators,  usually 
four  in  number,  were  generally  chosen  outside  of  the  trade 
involved.^^  So  far  as  there  was  a  regular  order  for  the  ad- 
justment of  disputes,  it  seems  that  matters  not  settled  by  the 
Executive  Committee  were  referred  to  the  General  Board 
and  then  to  a  Special  Arbitration  Board  with  four  members, 
which  called  in  an  umpire  when  it  could  not  reach  a  de- 
cision,"^^ 

Break-Down  of  the  Plan. —  In  19 10,  the  agreement  pro- 
viding for  the  Arbitration  Plan  expired  by  time  limit,  and 
was  not  renewed. ^^  The  Plan  broke  down  nominally  be- 
cause of  a  strike  of  the  steamfitters'  union  contrary  to  the 
agreement.^®  The  case  was  examined  by  the  Executive 
Committee  of  the  Board,  and  referred  to  the  Board.     The 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         165 

Board  ordered  the  steamfitters  back  to  work,  but  they  re- 
fused to  go.  In  such  a  case,  the  employers  were  supposed  to 
be  free  to  employ  whomsoever  they  pleased,  and  the  other 
unions  were  not  to  obstruct  the  work.  In  this  specific  case, 
however,  the  unions  would  not  pass  a  resolution  to  this  ef- 
fect, and  the  Plan  broke  down.  But  the  cause  of  the  break- 
down seems  to  have  been  deeper.  Mr.  Morris,  a  member  of 
the  Master  Steamfitters'  Association,  and  Chairman  of  the 
Arbitration  Board  in  19 10,  says  that  the  Plan  broke  down 
because  the  employers  believed  that  the  union  members  of 
the  Board  caucused  during  the  night  before  the  Board  meet- 
ing and  so  prejudged  many  questions.  Moreover,  there 
were  many  delays  under  the  Plan;  the  hearings  were  long 
with  voluminous  records.*^ 

"  On  October  31,  19 10,  at  the  time  when  the  Unions  were 
balking  at  expelling  the  steamfitters  from  the  Arbitration 
Board  for  violating  the  agreement  and  going  on  strike,"  says 
the  B.  T.  E.  A.,  the  Board  of  Governors  adopted  the  follow- 
ing resolution,  which  "  has  been  the  basis  for  all  our  nego- 
tiations and  agreements  with  the  unions  made  since  the  date 
of  its  passage:  "  ^^ 

"  Resolved,  By  the  Board  of  Governors,  that  hereafter  the 
Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  will  deal  with  Unions 
in  the  building  trades  only  so  long  as  labor  disputes  are  ad- 
justed by  conference  or  arbitration,  and  will  not  tolerate  strikes 
of  any  kind  against  members  of  this  Association. 

"  Resolved,  That  every  member  of  the  Building  Trades  Em- 
ployers' Association  is  directed  to  notify  his  trade  association 
and  the  Emergency  Committee  when  a  strike  occurs  on  his 
work."  «2 

While  the  General  Board  was  out  of  existence,  the  trade 
boards  still  functioned,  and  an  Executive  Committee  of 
building-trades  employers  exclusively,  dealt  with  disputes. 
This  Committee  met  and  decided  what  it  would  do  in  case 
of  a  particular  dispute,  and  if  conciliation  or  arbitration  did 


i66         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

not  succeed,  the  employer  fought.*^  The  Committee  met 
with  representatives  of  the  labor  unions  —  a  board  of  busi- 
ness agents  —  and  attempted  to  adjust  grievances,  provided 
the  union  agents  came  to  it  first  without  calling  a  strike.^* 
If  the  matter  could  not  be  settled  directly  with  the  business 
agents,  it  was  referred  to  arbitration.^^  During  the  period 
from  1910  to  1919,  there  were  only  the  agreements  of  the 
trade  associations  with  the  unions,  but  these  provided  for 
trade  conference  boards  and  arbitration.  No  agreement, 
however,  existed  between  the  Housesmiths'  Union  and  the 
Association  or  any  of  its  affiliated  trade  associations  during 
the  period  1905  to  1919.^^ 

Restoration  of  the  Plan. —  In  the  latter  part  of  1919  the 
unions  in  the  building  trades  of  New  York  City  were  able 
to  force  a  return  to  a  general  arbitration  board.  By  an 
Agreement  to  take  effect  January  i,  1920,  a  permanent 
Board  of  Arbitration  was  established.  This  Board  is 
made  up  of  five  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
E.  T.  E.  A.  and  five  from  the  Building  Trades  Council. 
The  Agreement  fixes  the  hours  of  the  working  week,  the 
rate  of  wages,  and  prohibits  the  ordering  of  strikes  and 
lockouts  by  the  affiliated  bodies  of  the  Association  and  Coun- 
cil. Disputes  arising  on  these  points  under  the  Agreement 
must  be  referred  to  the  Board  for  decision.  The  decisions 
of  the  Board  have  been  made  final  and  binding  upon  all  the 
affiliated  bodies  and  their  members.  In  case  the  Board  can- 
not reach  a  decision  after  it  has  met  for  three  consecutive 
daily  meetings,  it  is  required  to  select  an  umpire  to  hear  the 
arguments  on  each  side.  The  decision  of  this  umpire  is 
final  and  binding.  The  Housesmiths'  Union  was  admitted 
into  the  group  of  unions  that  negotiated  the  Agreement,^'^ 
but  this  action  resulted  in  the  loss  of  the  Iron  League 
Erectors'  Association  (the  corresponding  trade  association) 
from  the  B.  T.  E.  A.«8 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         167 

The  New  Agreement. —  The  main  provisions  of  this 
Agreement,  outside  of  a  schedule  of  wages,  are : 

"  In  order  to  secure  continuity  of  employment  and  uninter- 
rupted production,  it  is  hereby  agreed  between  the  Building 
Trades  Employers'  Association  of  the  City  of  New  York  and 
the  Building  Trades  Council  of  the  City  of  New  York  .  .  . 
that 

"(i)  The  working  week  shall  consist  of  forty-four  (44) 
hours. 

"(2)  The  rates  of  wages  from  January  ist,  1920,  to  Decem- 
ber 31st,  1921,  inclusive,  shall  be  as  follows:  [schedule  omitted; 
it  ranged  from  $4.50  for  electrical  workers'  helpers  to  $9.25 
for  upholsterers,  per  eight-hour  day,  and  the  whole  was  ad- 
vanced $1.00  per  day  on  May  i,  1920]. 

"  Provided,  should  the  cost  of  living  materially  change, 
upon  five  months'  notice  from  the  Building  Trades  Council  or 
the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  given  prior  to 
January  i,  1921,  the  wage  schedule  for  the  calendar  year  1921 
shall  be  reopened  and  readjusted  by  the  representatives  of 
the  parties  hereto. 

"  (3)  The  existing  trade  agreements  between  the  several 
trade  associations,  members  of  the  Building  Trades  Employers' 
Association  and  the  Unions  of  their  respective  trades  shall  be 
continued  upon  their  present  terms  and  conditions  until  the 
expiration  of  this  agreement,  unless  changed  by  the  mutual 
consent  of  the  parties  thereto ;  except,  that  the  working  week 
and  the  wage  schedule  herein  agreed  upon  shall  not  be  changed, 
except  as  herein  provided  for.  [  Note  that  it  was  changed  con- 
trary to  these  provisions.     See  Circular  Letter  No.  260.] 

"(4)  Regular  or  consecutive  overtime  shall  not  be  worked 
unless  permission  to  do  so  shall  have  been  given  by  a  Joint 
Committee,  consisting  of  the  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Gov- 
ernors of  the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  and  the 
Chairman  of  the  Building  Trades  Council ;  provided,  that  this 
shall  not  apply  to  occasional  overtime  made  necessary  by  the 
exigencies  of  the  work. 

"(5)  The  unions  as  a  whole  or  as  a  single  union  shall  not 


i68         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

order  any  strike  against  a  member  of  the  Building  Trades  Em- 
ployers' Association,  neither  shall  any  number  of  Union  men 
leave  the  work  of  a  member  of  the  Building  Trades  Employ- 
ers' Association,  nor  shall  any  member  of  the  Building  Trades 
Employers'  Association  lock  out  his  employees;  and,  should 
any  Union  or  the  members  of  any  Union  violate  this  agree- 
ment and  the  violation  is  not  discontinued  within  one  week 
from  the  time  notice  of  said  violation  is  sent  to  the  Building 
Trades  Council,  it  shall  not  be  considered  a  violation  of  this 
agreement  or  of  any  trade  agreement  if  the  Building  Trades 
Employers'  Association  or  any  member  or  members  thereof 
proceed  to  man  the  work  with  such  men  as  can  be  secured, 
or,  in  case  of  such  violation,  if  the  Building  Trades  Employers' 
Association  lock  out  the  members  of  the  defaulting  Union  or 
declares  a  general  cessation  of  work.  It  is  further  agreed  that 
if  workmen  not  members  of  the  Unions  parties  hereto  are 
alleged  to  be  employed  on  any  job  whereon  any  member  or 
members  of  the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  are 
doing  work,  it  shall  be  brought  immediately  to  the  attention  of 
the  Board  of  Arbitration  hereinafter  provided  for,  and  if  the 
facts  are  found  by  said  Board  to  be  as  alleged,  it  shall  not  be 
deemed  a  violation  of  this  agreement,  or  of  any  trade  agreement, 
for  any  member  of  the  Unions  above  mentioned  to  refuse  to 
work  on  the  job  in  question,  unless  such  workmen  are  justifiably 
employed  in  the  case  above  provided  for,  that  is,  where  a 
union  or  a  number  of  members  of  a  union  have  first  violated 
this  agreement. 

"(6)  A  permanent  Board  of  Arbitration  shall  be  established, 
said  Board  to  consist  of  five  members  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  Board  of  Governors  of  the  Building  Trades  Em- 
ployers' Association  and  five  members  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  Building  Trades  Council,  to  whom  shall  be 
referred  all  disputes  that  may  arise  relative  to  alleged  viola- 
tions of  this  agreement  or  the  intent  and  meaning  of  any  part 
thereof.  The  decision  of  said  Board  of  Arbitration  upon  any 
matter  submitted  to  it  shall  be  final  and  binding  upon  all  parties 
hereto;  and,  should  said  Board  of  Arbitration  fail  to  agree 
after  three  consecutive  daily  meetings,  said  Board  of  Arbitra- 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         169 

tion  shall  select  an  umpire,  and  each  side  shall  make  its  argu- 
ments before  the  umpire,  and  his  decision  shall  be  final  and 
binding  upon  all  the  parties  hereto. 

"(7)  This  agreement  shall  apply  upon  all  work  performed 
within  the  geographical  limits  of  Greater  New  York  and  Long 
Island  and  in  such  additional  territory  as  is  included  in  the 
provisions  of  the  existing  trade  agreements  between  the  several 
trade  associations  of  employers  and  the  unions  of  their  trades. 

"(8)  The  Unions  parties  to  this  agreement  agree  to  furnish 
at  all  times  sufficient  men  to  man  the  work  of  the  members  of 
the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association."  ®^ 

It  should  be  noted  that  the  employers  agreed  to  employ 
union  men  exclusively  so  long  as  the  unions  conformed  to 
the  agreement,  and  that  the  unions  agreed  to  furnish  at  all 
times  sufficient  men  to  man  the  work  of  the  members  of  the 
Association,  a  provision  that  requires  the  union  frequently 
to  call  men  off  of  a  job  for  an  independent  concern.  It  was 
the  provision  relating  to  the  exclusive  employment  of  union 
men  that  precipitated  a  conflict  between  the  B.  T.  E.  A.  and 
the  Iron  League  Erectors'  Association,  and  resulted  in  the 
latter's  severance  of  affiliations  with  the  B.  T.  E.  A.'° 

It  has  been  said  that  the  iron  industry  —  the  House- 
smiths'  Union  with  its  bad  practices  —  prevented  a  return  to 
the  Arbitration  Plan,'^^  but  the  Plan  was  operated  previously 
without  the  Housesmiths'  Union.  The  Plan  was  hardly  an 
unqualified  success  before  ^^  nor  does  it  promise  much  more 
satisfactory  results  now.  The  associations  did  not  desire  to 
return  to  it,  but  were  practically  forced  to  do  so  because  of 
the  strategic  position  held  by  the  unions  during  the  shortage 
of  labor. 

Success  or  Failure  of  Negotiations. —  Negotiations  in 
the  building  trades  of  New  York  City  have  not  proven 
to  be  any  more  successful  than  in  the  stove  industry.  Asso- 
ciation leaders  in  the  building  trades  say  they  expect  always 
to  have  trouble.'^*     Labor  difficulties  compelled  the  Asso- 


I/O         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ciation  to  declare  general  lockouts  in  1903  and  1910.^^ 
Grafting  business  agents  for  years  have  troubled  members 
of  the  association.  ''^  Although  the  closed  shop  is  quite 
generally  established  in  this  industry ,'^^  union  men  have  had 
to  work  with  nonunion  housesmiths  or  structural  iron  work- 
ers,''^ in  spite  of  strikes  to  force  complete  unionization.  The 
Iron  League  has  maintained  the  open  shop  since  1906,'^^  in 
opposition  to  the  housesmiths'  and  the  structural  iron 
workers'  unions.  But  the  woodworking  trades  have  forced 
the  employer  to  employ  union  men  only/®  and  the  Master 
Carpenters'  Association  has  agreed  not  to  use  nonunion 
or  prison-made  material,  while  the  union  in  turn  has  agreed 
not  to  work  on  such  material  for  non-association  em- 
ployers.*" Since  most  of  the  materials  of  wood  which  go 
into  buildings  are  not  generally  made  in  union  factories,  the 
carpenters  working  on  the  buildings  have  seen  that  they 
would  have  to  meet  the  competition  of  the  union  wood- 
workers who  would  be  thrown  out  of  employment  in  the  fac- 
tories if  nonunion  trim  was  used  and  so  the  carpenters  have 
demanded  union-made  trim.*^  Although  the  trade  asso- 
ciations have  generally  agreed  to  employ  union  men  exclu- 
sively, the  trade  unions  have  not  always  agreed  to  work 
exclusively  for  association  members.*^  An  explanation  of 
this  is  that  the  unions  have  the  workmen  more  nearly  com- 
pletely organized  than  the  associations  have  the  employers. 
Outside  of  the  housesmiths  and  painters,  the  workmen  of 
New  York  City  are  probably  90  per  cent  organized,*^  while 
the  Association  does  not  have  one-third  of  all  the  employers 
in  the  building  trades  of  the  City,  and  in  some  trades  its 
members  employ  less  than  50  per  cent  of  the  laborers  em- 
ployed.®* In  some  trades,  however,  from  60  to  95  per  cent 
of  the  employers  belong  to  the  Association.*'  The  Associa- 
tion does  not  control  the  building  industry  in  the  City,  but 
it  does  control  the  labor  situation  from  the  employers'  side, 
because  of  the  support  the  outsiders  usually  give  it.*®    But 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         171 

the  labor  conditions  in  New  York  City  are  determined  by  the 
associations  and  unions,  and  outsiders  are  supposed  to  live 
up  to  these  conditions.^'^  Non-Association  contractors  in 
the  stone  and  marble  trades  have  not  been  permitted  to  come 
into  the  City.  In  other  trades,  outside  contractors  have  been 
allowed  to  operate,  as  the  union  in  the  particular  trade  has 
usually  forced  them  to  live  up  to  the  conditions  already 
established  there.^* 

Interpretations. —  The  Association's  policy  of  negotia- 
tion —  that  is,  of  making  trade  agreements  with  the  unions, 
often  exclusive  on  both  sides  in  practice  *^  —  has  been  vari- 
ously interpreted.  A  prominent  leader  of  the  Association, 
Mr.  Eidlitz,  says,  "  The  question  of  collective  bargaining  is 
a  question  of  making  arrangement  with  skilful  men  in  a 
given  industry.  I  am  talking  now  with  reference  to  the 
building  industry.  We  have  to  build  quickly.  We  have  to 
be  in  a  position  to  gather  at  a  moment's  notice  skilful  men, 
and  that  is  not  possible  unless  you  have  organizations  of  skil- 
ful men  with  whom  you  are  in  agreement,  and  whom  you 
know  you  can  call  upon  to  supply  the  labor  needed."  ^^ 
Again,  on  the  part  of  its  leaders,  it  is  said  that  "  these  men 
recognized  that  the  open  shop  here  meant  continual  strife 
as  the  only  means  by  which  it  could  be  maintained ;  and  rec- 
ognizing that  the  investor  would  not  permit  a  continuance 
of  strife  because  of  the  loss  of  interest  on  the  enormous  in- 
vestments of  capital ;  but  recognizing  above  all  that  the  men 
who  labor  have  nothing  to  sell  but  their  labor,  and  that  they 
are  entitled  to  fair  and  just  treatment,  we  agreed  to  recognize 
the  unions,  but  insisted  that  there  must  be  some  arrange- 
ment between  the  unions  and  their  employers  by  which  all 
questions  could  be  settled  permanently  upon  a  fair  and  just 
basis."  ®^  Another  interpretation,  although  by  an  outsider, 
agrees  with  the  above  interpretation  on  one  point,  namely, 
the  influence  of  the  investor:  "  It  is,  briefly,  because  build- 
ing, as  far  as  the  owners  of  the  buildings  are  concerned, 


172  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

is  not,  in  most  instances,  a  business  in  which  they  expect 
to  be  engaged  all  their  lives.  A  man  may  in  his  life  build 
one  house,  or  a  single  group  of  men  will  build  a  great  fac- 
tory, office  building  or  hotel.  They  are  not  interested  in  the 
principle  of  freedom  of  contract  and  its  maintenance,  so 
much  as  they  are  in  finishing  that  building,  because  when  it 
is  done  they  expect  never  again  to  be  bothered  with  building 
another."  ^^  A  third  view  of  the  matter  is  that,  "  the  com- 
bination of  employers  prefers  to  deal  with  a  combination  of 
workmen,  and  so  far  as  possible  maintain  a  monopoly  in 
building.  There  seems  to  be  as  much  disposition  among 
employers  to  exclude  from  the  building  business  contractors 
who  do  not  belong  to  their  association  as  there  is  among 
workmen  .to  exclude  from  the  building  trades  artisans  who 
do  not  belong  to  their  unions,  and  the  object  can  be  best 
accomplished  by  a  bargain  with  the  unions  for  exclusive  em- 
ployment." "^  *  Leaders  of  the  Association  have  conceded 
that  the  unions  in  the  New  York  building  trades  have  a  mo- 

*  The  above  was  written  prior  to  the  Lockwood  investigation.  Men 
closely  connected  with  the  building  industry  have  stated  that  combinations 
for  monopoly  and  graft  are  general  in  the  building  trades  of  all  the 
larger  cities  of  the  United  States. 

In  regard  to  the  Lockwood  investigation  and  "  The  Great  Building 
Conspiracy"  in  New  York  City,  The  Nation  [D(29)'2o,  pp.  770-1] 
says,  among  other  things,  that,  "Documentary  and  other  evidence  shows 
that  this  systematic  robbery  was  made  possible  by  secret  agreements 
entered  into  between  the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association 
and  Robert  P.  Brindell,  president  of  the  Building  Trades  Council ; 
a  code  of  practice  plan,  .  .  .  and  a  'q'aotation  card'  system,  devised 
by  the  wholesale  dealers  in  building  commodities.  December  17,  1919, 
the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  entered  into  an  agreement 
with  Brindell's  Building  Trades  Council,  whereby  the  association 
members  were  to  use  none  but  Brindell  workers  and  the  Brindell  men 
were  to  work  for  no  one  not  a  member  of  the  association.  This 
eliminated  from  the  building  field  the  few  independent  contractors 
remaining.  .  .  .  Any  member  daring  to  undersell  another,  or  underbid 
on  a  contract  was  fined,  suspended  or  expelled.  If  expelled,  labor 
refused  to  work  for  him  and  that  is  where  the  arrangement  between 
the  Brindell  Council  and  the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association 
to  which  all  belonged  came  into  play." 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         173 

The  Survey  [Ja(i)'2i,  pp.  492-5]  points  out  how  a  closed  shop 
was  established  and  says,  "  it  was  abused  by  some  of  the  unionists  who 
were  thus  enabled  to  levy  tribute  on  contractors  outside  the  asso- 
ciation and  some  inside  the  association,  and  it  was  abused  by.  con- 
tractors who  were  enpowered  by  their  control  of  the  labor  market  to 
eliminate  competition  and  to  raise  prices.  .  .  .  Many  contractors  testi- 
fied that  they  had  paid  money  to  Brindell.  Men  not  members  of  the 
Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  were  peculiarly  subject  to  such 
tribute.  They  were  prevented  from  working  on  jobs  until  they  met 
the  requirements  both  of  the  Building  Trades  Council  and  of  the  Build- 
ing Trades  Employers'-  Association.  ...  [It  has  been  estimated]  that 
the  amount  of  Brindell's  extortions  'will  reach  close  to  $1, 000,000.'  .  .  . 
The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  and  the  constituent  organi- 
zations which  composed  the  association  had  an  effectual  monopoly  of 
building  labor  in  New  York.  Brindell's  council  was  the  tool  of  the 
employers,  and  unscrupulous  employers  .  .  .  did  not  hesitate  to  use  the 
opportunity  to  get  rid  of  rivals  and  to  raise  prices  to  unconscionable 
heights." 

As  a  result  of  the  expos\ires,  according  to  The  Nation,  "Within  the 
last  three  weeks  the  Cut  Stone  Contractors*  Association  and  the  Masons' 
Supply  Bureaus  have  been  disbanded.  .  .  .  Fifteen  combinations  of 
manufacturers  and  contractors  have  been  disrupted/'  and,  The  Survey 
adds,  "It  may  well  happen  that  before  the  work  is  ended  the  Building 
Trades  Employers'  Association  and  the  Building  Trades  Council  will 
both    have    been    destroyed." 

These  statements  have  been  replied  to  by  the  B.  T.  E.  A.,  in  part, 
as  follows :  "No  changes  have  been  made  in  the  membership,  Con- 
stitution and  the  trade  agreements  with  the  Building  Trades  Council. 
The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  has  been  grossly  slandered 
in  the  recent  investigation.  It  has  been  threatened  with  indictment  by 
an  investigator  named  Untermeyer,  who  is  himself  now  being  inves- 
tigated by  the  Judge  before  whom  he  tried  his  first  case.  Our  Asso- 
ciation has  not  been  indicted  and  will  not  be  for  it  has  not  violated  the 
law,  neither  has  it  been  guilty  of  unethical  conduct.  Groups  of  con- 
tractors have  been  indicted.  One  group  has  pleaded  guilty,  but  in  no 
case  has  a  trade  association  nor  all  the  members  of  a  trade  association 
been  indicted."     [Mr(i5)  '21  Letter.] 

"With  one  exception,  the  graft  alleged  to  be  paid  to  business  agents 
was  alleged  to  be  paid  by  owners  and  operators  and  not  by  building 
contractors.  ...  In  no  case  has  it  been  shown  by  the  evidence  submitted 
in  the  recent  investigation  that  any  member  of  the  Building  Trades 
Employers'  Association  paid  ["or  offered"]  graft  to  a  business  agent.  .  .  . 
The  central  or  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  has  in  no  case 
participated  in  these  cost  systems  or  price  regulating  schemes.  In  fact, 
participation  in  price  fixing  ...  is  distinctly  prohibited  in  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  Association."     [F(  14-15) '21   Norman's  Address  6;   also 


174  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

nopoly  of  the  skilled  labor  in  those  trades :  "  There  is  no 
question  that  the  best  mechanics  in  every  line,  especially  in 
the  building  trades,  are  in  the  unions,  because  they  have  had 
control  and  have  gathered  them  in.  .  .  .  We  are  practically 
forced  —  required  —  to  make  an  agreement  that  we  employ 
only  their  men,  because  they  really  control  the  market."  ®* 

Belligerent  Activities. —  The  Association,  however,  is 
somewhat  belligerent,  since  it  has  co-operated  with  other 
associations  in  opposition  to  certain  legislative  proposals  of 
the  American  Federation  of  Labor.  Its  "  opposition  to  na- 
tional and  state  labor  bills  has  been  made  known  directly  to 
the  proper  committees  of  the  congress  and  of  the  legisla- 
ture." ^^  Shortly  after  its  formation,  it  actively  opposed 
union  proposals  before  Congress  ®^  and  the  State  Legislature 
of  New  York.^^  It  has  protested  vigorously  against  the  fur- 
ther restriction  of  immigration  by  Federal  laws.^^  It  has 
a  large  Legislative  Committee  to  watch  legislative  matters, 
especially  in  the  State  of  New  York  and  in  New  York  City.®* 

Interrelations. —  In  July,  1920,  there  were  affiliated  with 
the  B.  T.  E.  A.  the  following  associations :  Tile,  Grate  and 
Mantel   Association;   The    Parquet   Flooring   Association; 

Circular  Letter  No.  271.]  "During  the  State  investigation  it  has  been 
shown  that  some  of  our  trade  organizations  have  adopted  certain  regu- 
lations under  the  name  of  'Code  of  Ethics'  or  'Code  of  Practice.'  The 
Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  has  been  accused  of  neglecting 
its  duty  in  that  it  has  made  no  effort  to  restrain  its  trade  associations. 
While  the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  has  had  no  part  in 
these  alleged  combinations,  your  Executive  Committee  fully  realizes 
that  the  Association  is  held  to  some  extent  responsible  by  the  public  for 
the  conduct  of  the  trade  organizations.  The  Exec"utive  Committee  of 
the  Board  of  Governors,  therefore,  requests  you  to  carefully  examine 
the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  your  association  and  eliminate  there- 
from any  provision  that  in  the  light  of  the  recent  investigation  might 
render  you  subject  to  criticism.  If  yoi.  have  adopted  a  'Code  of  Ethics' 
or  'Code  of  Practice,*  you  are  requested  to  discontinue  the  same  unless 
you  feel  that  you  are  acting  absolutely  within  your  legal  rights,  and, 
if  so,  please  submit  such  'Code  of  Ethics'  or  'Code  of  Practice'  through 
your  representatives  on  the  Board  of  Governors  at  its  next  regular 
meeting."  [Circular  Letter  No.  271.] 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         175 

Hoisting  Association;  Master  Carpenters'  Association; 
Manufacturing  Woodworkers'  Association ;  Masters'  League 
of  Cement  Workers;  Electrical  Contractors'  Association; 
Mason  Builders'  Association;  Composition  Roofers  and 
Waterproofers  Employers'  Association;  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation of  Roofers  and  Sheet  Metal  Workers  of  Greater 
New  York  and  Adjacent  Cities;  Employing  Plasterers'  As- 
sociation; Marble  Industry  Employers'  Association;  Asso- 
ciation of  Wire  Work  Manufacturers  of  the  City  of  New 
York ;  House  Movers  and  Shorers'  Association ;  Employers' 
Association  of  Architectural  Iron  Workers;  Metal  Doors 
and  Windows  Association;  Mosaic  Employers'  Association; 
Heating  and  Piping  Contractors,  New  York  City ;  Associa- 
tion of  Master  Painters  and  Decorators  of  the  City  of  New 
York;  Employing  Metallic  Furring  and  Lathing  Associa- 
tion ;  Associated  Plumbers'  Association  of  the  City  of  New 
York;  Employing  Stone-Setters'  Association;  Elevator 
Manufacturers'  Association;  Greater  New  York  Cut  Stone 
Contractors'  Association ;  Metal  Ceiling  Association  of  New 
York ;  Master  Carpenters'  Association,  Local  No.  i ;  Refrig- 
erator Manufacturers'  Association;  Association  of  Invest- 
ing Builders;  The  Decorative  Glass  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion; and  Bronx  Tile  Dealers'  Association.^ '^^ 

In  addition  to  its  connections  through  the  various  trade 
associations  affiliated  with  it,  the  Association  is  aflfiliated 
w^th  the  National  Association  of  Building  Trades  Employ- 
ers, and  has  been  related  to  other  associations. ^'^^  In  1904, 
it  made  an  agreement  with  the  Builders'  Exchange  League 
of  Pittsburgh  to  take  concerted  action  in  dealing  with  the 
unions.^ *^^  It  has  been  fought  directly  and  indirectly  by 
the  National  Erectors'  Association  and  the  League  for  In- 
dustrial Rights,  respectively,  directly  because  of  its  pol- 
icy of  making  exclusive  agreements  with  the  building- 
trades  unions  through  its  affiliated  associations,  indirectly 
by    suits    brought    against    the    combinations    of    unions 


176  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

and  member  associations  in  restraint  of  trade  of  nonunion 
concerns."^ 

The  Association,  through  its  officers  and  meml^ers,  is  re- 
lated to  a  number  of  other  associations.  For  instance,  Mr. 
Otto  M.  EidHtz  is,  or  has  been,  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Governors  of  the  Association  and  an  officer  of  the  Mason 
Builders'  Association,^"^  and  a  member  of  the  Executive 
Committee  and  Chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee  of  the 
National  Civic  Federation.^*'''  Then,  in  contrast,  of  the 
seven  members  of  the  Elevator  Manufacturers'  Association, 
three  of  the  most  prominent,  namely,  the  Otis  Elevator 
Company,  the  A.  B.  See  Electric  Elevator  Company,  and  the 
Warner  Elevator  Manufacturing  Company,  are  members  of 
the  National  Metal  Trades  Association,^"^  a  situation  to  be 
explained  largely  by  the  exigencies  of  the  various  depart- 
ments of  the  corporations,  since  the  policies  of  the  two  asso- 
ciations are  not  harmonious. 

REFERENCES 

1  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association :  List  of  Represented,  In- 
dividual and  Associate  Members  .  .  .  May  i,  1920;  (Abv.  List  of 
Members).  ^  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  Building  Trades  Em- 
ployers' Association  .  .  .  1920,  pp.  5-7;  (Abv.  Const).  ^  Const  4; 
Industrial  Relations,  Final  Report  and  Testimony,  U.  S.  Commission 
on  Industrial  Relations,  1584;  (Abv.  Ind  Rel).  *  Const  3-4.  ^  Const 
9-IS;  List  of  Members  4-10.  •'Const  9-16.  ''Const  13.  ^  Const  16;  List 
of  Members,  9-10.  "Const  13-16.  10  Const  15,  47.  "i^  Const  17;  see  also 
Ind  Rel  646,  647,  1583,  1584-1585.  ^^  Const  48,  55-57-  ^^  Const  49. 
1*  Const  52.  15  Const  50.  i"  Const  51-52.  1^  Const  49-50.  ^^  Const  53. 
i»  Const  52-53.  20  Const  (1919)  39,  53;  Const  (1920)  39.  21  Const  18; 
Ind  Rel  1778.  22  Const  8-9,  26-27.  23  Const  29,  32-33,  40-41 ;  cf.  Ind  Rel 
647.  24  Const  29,  34-39;  Ind  Rel  647,  1778.  25  Const  34-36.  26  Const 
36-41.  27  Const  (1919)  37-38;  Const  (1920)  39.  ^s  Const  22.  29  Const 
6 ;  Ind  Rel  1778.  ^°  Const  49.  ^^  Restriction  of  Output  in  the  Closed 
Shop,  (Abv.  Restriction)  ;  Drew's  The  Closed  Shop  vs.  the  Building 
Indusitry,  (Abv.  Drew)  ;  Situation  in  the  Structural  Iron  Industry  in 
New  York  City,  (Abv.  Situation)  ;  see  also  Ind  Rel  645,  656,  1618, 
i622ff.  32  Const  18;  see  alsio  49-50.  ^^  Const  40.  ^^  Const  49-50. 
85  Restriction ;  Drew;  Ind  Rel  645,  656,  1618,  1622.  ^o  Const  53-54; 
see  also  Bulletin  No.  124,  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Labor  Statistics,  (Abv. 
Bui    124   U    S    B    L    S).    37  Synopsis    of    Proceedings  .  .  .  National 


The  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association         177 

Metal  Trades  Association,  1909,  p.  87,  (Abv.  '09  N  M  T  A) ;  Const 
4;  Anti-Injunction  Bill,  Complete  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on 
the  Judiciary,  House  of  Representatives,  U.  S.  on  H.  R.  89 .  .  . 
1904,  pp.  160-161,  (Abv.  '04  H  I  H).  88'o9  N  M  T  A  87;  see 
also  '04  H  I  H  160-161;  Ind  Rel  646,  1583,  1735.  8» '09  N  M  T  A 
87;  Ind  Rel  1735.  *° '04  H  I  H  253-254.  <i'o4  H  I  H  229;  see  also 
Ind  Rel  1588.  « '04  H  I  H  254.  « '04  H  I  H  229-230.  <*  '04  H  I  H 
254.  *5'o4  H  I  H  227.  4«'o4  H  I  H  226-227,  229-230.  475(1) '04 
American  Industries  Supplement,  11;  see  also  Ind  Rel  1585,  1586, 
1597.  U73,  1774-  ** '04  H  I  H  164;  see  also  Ind  Rel  646,  647,  650, 
1589,  1780;  Jl(27)'i7  Letter  B  T  E  A.  40Mr(i7)'i5  Letter;  Ind  Rel 
648;  Const  47-48;  see  also  Bui  124  U  S  B  L  S.  »»  Situation.  »i '09 
N  M  T  A  88;  General  Arbitration  Board  of  the  New  York  Building 
Trades,  Decisions,  (Abv.  Decisions)  ;  see  also  Ind  Rel  646,  648,  1735, 
1771.  '^^  Decisions  46-50;  Ind  Rel  1591,  1610,  1726.  ^3 'og  N  M  T  A 
87-88;  Decisions  46-50;  see  also  Bui  124  U  S  B  L  S.  ^^  Decisions  49. 
■^•^  For  a  further  discussion  of  this,  see  Commons:  Trade  Unionism  and 
Labor  Problems,  66flf.  ^e  i^d  Rel  1588.  "  i^d  Rd  1587,  1588.  ^s  Ind 
Rel  648.  59  Ind  Rel  648,  1724.  eo  Ind  Rel  590,  648,  1589,  1724,  1771. 
eiD(ii)'2o  Letter.  «2  Const  52.  «3  ind  Rel  649,  650.  «*  Ind  Rel  1778, 
also  1590.  ^5  Ind  Rel  1590;  N  '20  American  Industries  25.  ^^  Jl(27)'i7 
Letter.  «^  Circular  Letter  No.  257  B  T  E  A.  o*  List  of  Members 
(May  1920)  44;  Const  (1920)  9-12.  ^^  Qrcular  Letter  No.  257;  F  '20 
Monthly  Labor  Reviezi*,  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Labor  Statistics,  147-149. 
70  Situation ;  see  also  O  '20  Law  and  Labor  234-235.  ^^  Ind  Rel  650. 
"O  (i5)'07  American  Industries  22;  Ind  Rel  1769.  ''^  Ind  Rel  657. 
7*  Ind  Rel  1588.  "Ind  Rel  1594.  ^«  Ind  Rel  645.  "Ind  Rel  1610. 
"Ind  Rel  1589,  1609,  1610.  ^9  ind  Rel  656.  so  ind  Rd  1595.  si  ind 
Rel  1591,  1618.  82  Ind  Rel  1591.  sa  ind  Rel  1598.  s*  Ind  Rel  1596, 
1597.  85  Ind  Rel  657.  se  ind  Rel  1596.  8?  ind  Rel  655.  88  ind  Rel 
1733-  **  '04  H  I  H  165 ;  see  also  the  Agreements.  ^^Ind  Rel  1600. 
»i'09  N  M  T  A  87;  see  also  '04  H  I  H  254-255.  »2  High  Cost  of 
Living  Is  High  Cost  of  Labor  5.  83S(i)'o4  American  Industries  Sup- 
plement, 11;  see  also  p.  6.  »* '04  H  I  H  230-231.  ''5£)(ij)'2o  Letter; 
cf.  List  of  Associations  represented  by  Mr.  Emery.  ®^  '04  H  I  H  i6oflF, 
226fF,  252ff.  ^"^  '04  H  I  H  252.  98  My  '20  Bulletin,  Building  Construction 
Employers'  Association  of  Chicago,  p.  4,  (Abv.  Bui  B  C  E  A).  99  List 
of  Members  11.  1°"  List  of  Members  11-75;  Const  (1920)  ^12. 
101  Je  '19  Bui  B  C  E  A  8;  O  '19  Bui  B  C  E  A  8.  1^2  ind  Rel  1771. 
^°3  Control  of  Corporations,  Persons  and  Firms  Engaged  in  Inter- 
state Commerce,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  Interstate  Com- 
merce, U.  S.  Senate  .  .  .  1912,  pp.  2051-2053.  ^°*  List  of  Members  4, 
13.  ^9*  [Proceedings]  Twelfth  Annual  Meeting,  National  Civic  Fed- 
eration, iv,  vi.  19*  See  Lists  of  Officers  and  Members  of  both  associa- 
tions. 


CHAPTER  VII 

THE  BUILDING  CONSTRUCTION  EMPLOYERS' 
ASSOCIATION  OF  CHICAGO 

There  are  general  similarities  between  the  Building 
Trades  Employers'  Association  of  'New  York  and  the  Build- 
ing Construction  Employers'  Association  of  Chicago  — 
similarities  that  show  the  effects  of  a  general  underlying 
condition  in  the  building  industry.  There  are  also  con- 
trasts as  will  appear  from  the  following  discussion. 

Membership. —  The  Building  Construction  Employers' 
Association  of  Chicago  has  approximately  850  represented, 
individual  and  honorary  members  —  which  is  considerably 
less  than  two-thirds  of  the  building  contractors  of  Chicago.^ 
Represented  members  are  the  members  of  the  23  affiliated 
trade  associations ;  ^  individual  members  are  active  members 
not  so  affiliated.  Represented  and  individual  members  in 
good  standing  are  called  qualified  members.^  Individual 
members  are  to  be  found  only  in  the  trades  where  there  is 
no  trade  association  affiliated  with  the  general  Association. 
The  Association  favors  strong  trade  associations  as  a  prin- 
cipal factor  in  the  keeping  of  trade  agreements.*  "  Any 
association  of  employers  of  any  one  or  more  branches  of 
building  construction  and  any  person,  firm  or  corporation 
engaged  in  any  branch  of  the  building  industry  employing 
labor  in  actual  construction  work  upon  buildings,"  are  eli- 
gible to  membership." 

The  Objects  of  the  Association  are : 

"  to  promote  and  protect  the  interests  of  its  members  in  Cook 
County,  Illinois;  to  maintain  just  and  equitable  treatment  in 

178 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       179 

their  relations  with  each  other  and  with  their  employees;  to 
promote  steadiness  of  employment  in  the  building  trades,  to 
supervise  the  making  of  trade  agreements  respecting  the  em- 
ployment of  labor  by  its  members,  and  to  insist  upon  the  ful- 
fillment of  such  agreements,  both  in  letter  and  spirit;  to  promote 
the  settlement  of  labor  disputes  by  arbitration;  to  prevent 
strikes  and  lockouts ;  to  encourage  the  formation  of  associations 
of  contractors  and  to  promote  and  protect  the  business  inter- 
ests of  its  members  and  its  affiliated  associations,  but  there  is 
no  intention,  nor  shall  there  be  any  action  on  the  part  of  the 
organization,  to  control,  nor  in  any  way  deal  with,  prices  or 
restrict  competition."  ® 

The  Government  of  the  Association  is  in  the  hands  of  an 
Executive  Board,  whose  members  are  selected  partly  by  the 
affiliated  associations  and  chosen  partly  from  the  individual 
members  of  the  Association  by  the  President.  Each  affili- 
ated association  having  fewer  than  20  qualified  members  is 
entitled  to  two  representatives  or  delegates  on  the  Board. 
An  association  having  between  20  and  50  members  is  en- 
titled to  three  representatives.  If  the  association  has  more 
than  50  members,  it  is  entitled  to  an  additional  representa- 
tive for  each  50  qualified  members  or  major  fraction  thereof 
above  the  first  50,  that  is,  at  least  four  representatives,  but 
not  more  than  six.  The  entire  group  of  individual  mem- 
bers is  entitled  to  only  three  representatives,  and  these  are 
chosen  by  the  President  with  the  approval  of  the  Board, 
Originally  or  finally  all  powers  in  matters  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Association  rest  with  the  Executive  Board. 
By  a  majority  vote,  the  Board  elects  the  President,  four 
Vice-Presidents,  and  the  Treasurer,  and  passes  upon  the 
appointment  by  the  President  of  the  Secretary-Business 
Manager  and  the  standing  committees.  The  Board  has  en- 
tire management  of  and  jurisdiction  over  the  affairs  and 
funds  of  the  Association,  except  such  as  are  expressly  given 
to  officers  and  committees  by  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws. 
But  as  such  officers  and  committees  are  directly  or  indirectly 


i8o  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

appointed  by  the  Board,  it  is  evident  that  the  highest  power 
is  vested  in  the  Board,^ 

The  Board  has  the  power  to  make  rules  and  regulations, 
orders  and  prohibitions  which  are  final  and  obligatory  upon 
all  members  of  the  Association,  and  to  revise  the  Constitu- 
tion.^ The  Board  has  power  to  determine,  regulate  and  con- 
trol the  conduct  of  all  members  of  the  Association  in  any  and 
all  controversies,  differences  and  difficulties  arising  in  the 
building  industry  and  involving  the  Association  members 
and  their  workmen,  either  between  the  members  themselves 
in  labor  matters  or  between  members  and  building-trade 
workmen.  But  the  Board  may  not  interfere  directly  or  in- 
directly with  the  conduct  of  a  shop  or  factory  of  any  mem- 
ber, except  upon  the  request  of  that  member,  when  it  may 
assume  full  control  of  any  difficulty  therein.  The  Board 
passes  upon  all  applications  for  membership.^ 

In  the  interim  between  the  meetings  of  the  Board,  an 
Executive  Committee  exercises  the  powers  of  the  Board 
with  the  exceptions  of  (i)  the  removal  of  officers  and  (2) 
all  duties  expressly  delegated  to  the  Board  alone.  This 
Committee  is  made  up  of  the  elected  executive  officers  of 
the  Association  and  the  chairmen  of  the  ten  standing  com- 
mittees. Besides  the  powers  thus  derived  from  the  Board, 
the  Executive  Committee  has  power  to  suspend  or  expel 
members  for  any  cause  it  deems  sufficient,  after  a  formal 
complaint  has  been  made  and  an  opportunity  given  to  the 
member  to  defend  himself  in  case  of  an  individual  or  rep- 
resented member,  or  itself  in  case  of  an  affiliated  association. 
The  Executive  Committee  may  appoint  a  trial  board  of  at 
least  five  members  to  hear  and  determine  such  cases,  subject 
to  a  rehearing  by  the  Committee  itself.^*^ 

However,  so  large  a  body  as  the  Executive  Board  —  at 
present  it  consists  of  from  60  to  70  delegates  ^^  —  could  di- 
rectly exercise  all  of  these  powers  only  with  great  difficulty, 
nor  could  the  Executive  Committee  with  its  16  members  at- 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       i8i 

tend  to  all  the  details  of  the  work  involved  in  exercising  all 
of  such  powers.  So  the  Board  has  been  given  the  power 
to  delegate  most  of  its  powers  either  to  standing  committees 
appointed  from  the  members  of  the  Association  by  the 
President  with  the  approval  of  the  Board,  or  to  special  com- 
mittees appointed  by  the  President  from  the  delegates  on 
the  Board.^^  The  following  standing  committees  are  pro- 
vided for  in  the  Constitution :  Committee  on  Ways  and 
Means,  Committee  on  Finance,  Committee  on  Contracts, 
Committee  on  Membership,  Committee  on  Legal  Action, 
Committee  on  Grievances,  Committee  on  Promotion  and 
Publicity,  Committee  on  Trade  Relations,  Committee  on 
Legislation  and  Committee  on  Commercial  Arbitration.^^ 

The  general  powers  and  duties  of  the  various  standing 
committees  are  as  follows :  The  Ways  and  Means  Commit- 
tee is  concerned  with  the  raising  of  funds,  the  Finance  Com- 
mittee with  the  manner  in  which  they  are  spent.  The  Com- 
mittee on  Promotion  and  Publicity  devotes  itself  to  securing 
new  members  and  increasing  the  prestige  of  the  Association 
through  publicity,  while  the  Membership  Committee  passes 
upon  the  application  of  new  members  and  tries  to  keep  out 
undesirable  applicants.  The  Committee  on  Trade  Relations 
considers  matters  relating  to  materials  and  other  like  inter- 
ests of  the  organization,  while  the  Committee  on  Contracts 
deals  with  the  labor  interests,  such  as  contracts  between 
members  and  their  employees,  jurisdictional  disputes,  and 
all  questions  in  which  architects  may  be  interested.  The 
Grievance  Committee  investigates  all  grievances  and  tries  to 
adjust  them,  while  the  Commercial  Arbitration  Committee 
arbitrates  differences  or  disputes  of  a  commercial  nature  in- 
volving members,  owners  and  architects.  The  Legal  Action 
Committee  has  charge  of  all  matters  of  a  legal  or  legislative 
nature  in  which  the  Association  is  interested,  while  the 
Legislative  Committee  deals  with  legislation  in  the  City 
Council,  the  State  Legislature  or  the  National  Congress, 


i82  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

opposing  measures  regarded  as  detrimental  to  the  interests 
of  the  building  industry,  and  urging  favorable  legislation.^* 

The  Association  has  found  it  advisible  to  have  a  Business 
Manager  to  get  quick  action  on  matters  that  the  Board  could 
best  leave  to  an  executive  officer.  The  Business  Manager 
has  delegated  to  him  "  full  power  and  authority  under  direc- 
tion of  the  President  or  the  Executive  Committee  to  conduct 
the  affairs  of  the  organization."  The  Business  Manager, 
acting  with  the  approval  of  the  President,  has  at  all  times 
the  right  to  perform  any  act  which  he  deems  best  for  the 
interest  of  the  Association  and  its  members.  In  all  business 
dealings  of  the  Association  and  in  its  intercourse  with  mem- 
bers in  relation  to  labor  matters,  the  Business  Manager  is 
its  official  representative,  subject  to  the  direction  of  the 
President.  "  The  office  of  Business  Manager  and  Secre- 
tary may  be  held  by  the  same  person."  ^^ 

Obligations  of  Members. —  Members  are  bound  to  the 
Association  by  an  agreement.  Every  member  must  sign  a 
prescribed  form  of  agreement  in  which  he  agrees  to  be 
bound  by  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  Association 
and  to  "  obey  and  comply  with  all  lawful  agreements,  de- 
cisions, orders,  rules,  resolutions  and  regulations  of  the 
Association,  or  of  the  Executive  Board  or  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  Association  now  in  force,  and  as  may  from 
time  to  time  be  made,  adopted  and  promulgated."  ^^  He 
further  agrees  to  pay  all  fees,  dues,  assessments  and  fines.^® 
The  member  is  further  bound  by  his  contribution  to  the  re- 
serve or  emergency  fund,  for  if  he  violates  any  of  the 
rules  and  regulations  of  the  Association  he  may  be  ex- 
pelled; and  an  expelled  member  is  deprived  of  all  privileges 
and  protection  of  the  Association  and  loses  all  interest  in 
any  property  of  the  organization.^''^  Thus  members  are  now 
bound  to  the  Association  instead  of  by  bond  as  was  formerly 
the  case. 

The  Funds  of  the  Association  are  derived  from  initia- 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       183 

tion  fees  and  other  dues.  The  initiation  fee  for  each  repre- 
sented member  is  $1.00,  and  for  each  individual  member 
$25.00.  "  Each  represented  or  individual  member  shall  pay 
as  dues  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Association  and  for  the  use 
and  benefit  of  the  Association  a  sum  equal  to  two  tenths  of 
one  (2- id's  of  1%)  per  cent  of  the  amount  of  each  contract 
made  by  him  or  it  for  the  construction  of  any  building  or 
any  part  thereof,  or  for  the  repair  or  remodeling  which  may 
be  directly  or  indirectly  required  for  any  building  or  struc- 
ture or  part  thereof,  in  Cook  County,  Illinois,  including  any 
and  all  work  done  upon  the  time  and  material  basis  for  such 
building  or  structure.  The  minimum  amount  of  dues  to  be 
paid  by  each  member  shall  be  the  sum  of  one  dollar  ($1.00) 
per  month.  Of  the  two  tenths  of  one  per  cent  received  for 
dues  from  members,  one  tenth  shall  be  deposited  in  the  gen- 
eral fund  of  the  Association,  and  not  less  than  one  tenth  of 
one  per  cent  shall  be  deposited  in  a  reserve  fund  to  be  used 
for  emergency  purposes."  ^*  Another  source  of  revenue  to 
the  Association  is  the  fines  of  members  paid  for  the  viola- 
tions of  the  laws  of  the  Association,  or  of  contracts  with  the 
unions.  These  fines  range  ordinarily  from  $50  to  $250, 
although  the  maximum  limits  are  much  higher,  ranging  from 
$500  to  $2000.^®  Fines,  however,  are  a  minor  source  of 
revenue ;  the  main  source  is  the  percentage  dues. 

Evolution. —  In  the  building  industry,  labor  troubles  have 
come  with  periods  of  violence  succeeded  by  periods  relatively 
peaceful.  When  labor  troubles  reach  their  height,  a  strong 
association  is  usually  in  the  field,  but  this  disintegrates  in 
times  of  peace.  The  Building  Contractors'  Council  was 
formed  in  April,  1899,  as  a  federation  of  trade  associations, 
and  the  occasion  of  its  formation  was  "  the  increasing  un- 
reasonableness and  injustice  of  the  Building  Trades  Coun- 
cil." ^^  In  1900,  the  building  contractors  had  a  strong  or- 
ganization in  their  Council,  which  had  developed  its  strength 
in  the  great  dispute  of  that  year,  but  it  steadily  weakened 


184  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

in  the  quiet  time  that  followed  the  dispute.  Meanwhile  the 
unions  were  gaining  strength,  and  in  time  were  again  able 
to  force  concessions  from  individual  contractors  until  finally 
the  employers  felt  that  the  unions  were  making  absurd  and 
impossible  demands.^ ^  The  Chicago  building  trades  had  a 
"  Skinney  "  Madden  for  New  York's  Sam  Parks,  and  the 
amounts  demanded  by  the  large  and  small  grafters  became 
so  uncertain  that  allowances  could  not  be  made  in  the  bids 
to  cover  such  outlays.  The  Building  Contractors'  Council 
was  succeeded  by  the  Building  Construction  Employers' 
Association,  which  was  organized  on  July  27,  191 1,  with 
128  members.  The  conditions  leading  up  to  the  forma- 
tion of  the  latter  organization  are  thus  described  in  the 
Bulletin:  ^^ 

"  The  individual  trade  agreements  made  during  the  year 
1900  were  believed  by  many  to  be  a  sufficient  guaranty  that 
peace  would  prevail  and  that  no  sympathetic  strikes  would 
occur.  Organized  labor,  however,  was  awake  to  the  necessity 
of  building  up  and  strengthening  their  individual  unions  and 
while  the  contractors  were  peacefully  dreaming,  their  em- 
ployees were  continually  concentrating  their  efforts  towards 
re-establishing  their  unions  and  solidifying  their  depleted  ranks. 
This  they  succeeded  in  doing  in  a  few  years,  organizing  every 
branch  of  the  building  industry,  establishing  a  new  central 
council  and  proceeding  with  dexterity  and  skill  to  give  the 
employers  a  few  emphatic  and  costly  lessons  in  organization 
prowess.  These  lessons  continued  for  many  years,  contrac- 
tors' associations,  unsupported,  disintegrated,  members  unable 
to  stand  the  pressure,  became  discouraged  and  individual  con- 
tractors were  compelled  to  bow  to  the  will  of  the  mighty  and 
stronger  power  exerted  by  labor  organisations.  This  power 
of  organized  labor  was  in  itself  to  be  commended  if  it  was  used 
to  uplift  the  conditions  of  the  rank  and  file  of  organizations  or 
employees,  but,  too  frequently  and  sad  to  relate  was  it  used 
as  a  m,eans  of  advancing  the  political  ambitions  of  some  con- 
genial delegate  or  enhancing  the  value  of  his  earthly  posses- 
sions.   The  ease  with  which  so  many  contractors  and  owners 


The  Btdlding  Construction  Employers'  Association       185 

were  induced  to  succumb  to  the  wishes  and  wiles  of  some  so- 
called  representative  of  organized  labor  was  certainly  in  itself 
startling,  while  many  who  attempted  to  refuse  to  *  come  across  * 
amicably  were  given  the  third  degree  and  sweated  into  submis- 
sion. It  was  the  constant  application  of  this  system,  the  many 
jurisdictional  trade  disputes,  the  sympathetic  strike  and  the 
continually  everlasting  nagging  at  the  contractor  without 
cause  or  justification,  irrespective  of  agreements,  that  aroused 
the  contractors  to  the  realization  of  the  fact  that  unless  some- 
thing was  done  to  better  conditions  in  the  building  industry  in 
Chicago,  that  they  would  of  necessity  be  compelled  to  go  out 
of  business."  ^^ 

It  was  rather  the  universal  levying  of  graft  contributions 
by  a  number  of  union  officials  upon  all  contractors  that  be- 
came intolerable,  since  a  universal  levy  gave  no  special  priv- 
ileges to  a  few  over  the  many.  Unreasonable  demands  and 
strikes  were  simply  the  means  used  by  the  corrupt  union 
official  to  force  the  payment  of  graft  money  to  him  as  tribute 
for  his  calling  off  the  strike  or  withdrawing  the  demands. 
It  is  only  when  graft  conditions  become  general  that  there 
are  such  exposures  as  occurred  in  the  years  1914-1915, 
or  in  the  years  1919-20,  as  a  recent  investigation  has  shown. 
But  as  the  grafting  becomes  general,  it  also  becomes  uncer- 
tain, for  minor  union  officials  must  have  a  share,  and  the 
contractor  never  knows  how  many  of  such  demands  are  go- 
ing to  be  made  upon  him.  Such  a  condition  gave  the  Asso- 
ciation a  definite  aim,  stated  as  follows: 

"  This  Association's  aim  is  to  promote  peace  and  harmony 
among  employers  and  employees  in  the  building  industry  of 
Chicago  and  obtain  the  best  building  conditions  possible  for  the 
contractors  of  Chicago  and  to  promote  the  building  interests  of 
this  community  to  the  end  that  more,  better  and  more  substan- 
tial buildings  will  be  erected  and  that  building  operations 
shall  continue  unmolested  by  sympathetic  strikes  and  jurisdic- 
tional trade  disputes."  " 


i86  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

The  Association  did  not,  immediately  on  its  organization, 
join  issue  with  the  unions;  it  started  in  to  eliminate  some 
of  the  rather  minor  forms  of  graft.  "  Its  first  effort  was  to 
eliminate  the  annual  avalanche  of  labor  publications,  sou- 
venir programs  of  picnics  and  receptions,  so-called  bene- 
fits, etc.,  which  were  a  constant  source  of  annoyance  to  the 
contractor  and  which  for  fear  of  prejudicing  his  own  inter- 
ests or  those  of  a  customer,  he  was  compelled  to  patronize. 
The  rule  of  the  Association  prohibiting  advertising  in  any 
of  these  numerous  schemes,  or  purchasing  tickets  or  making 
any  contributions  to  them,  has  saved  the  members  of  the 
Association  many  dollars  annually."  ^^     The  rule  is : 

"  All  members  of  this  organization  are  prohibited  from  mak- 
ing directly  or  indirectly  any  contributions  of  any  kind  to  any 
labor  organization  or  any  representative  of  such  organization 
and  are  also  prohibited  from  purchasing  any  tickets  for  any 
function  of  any  kind  given  by  or  in  behalf  of  any  labor  organi- 
zation and  also  are  prohibited  from  advertising  in  any  publi- 
cation of  any  kind  for,  by  or  in  the  interest  of  any  labor 
organization.  The  Executive  Board  are  [sic]  authorized  to 
fine  and  discipline  offenders  of  this  rule."  ^* 

Here  we  find  the  peculiar  situation  of  the  Association  en- 
gaging in  a  widespread  boycott  of  certain  union  enterprises, 
justifying  itself  on  the  grounds  that  these  had  been  used 
for  the  purpose  of  graft.  The  Association  has  not  hesi- 
tated to  suspend  the  rule  whenever  such  suspension  conduces 
to  the  interests  of  the  contractors  for  in  both  191 3  and 
1914,  the  rule  was  suspended  in  regard  to  the  publications 
of  an  "  educational "  nature  issued  by  the  Building  Trades 
Council  to  convince  union  members  in  Chicago  of  the  sound- 
ness of  the  Joint  Conference  Agreement.^^  It  was  sus- 
pended in  191 7,  for  instance,  for  the  annual  issue  of  the 
Building  Trades'  Edition  of  the  Chicago  Building  Trades 
Council,  as  it  usually  is.^*  The  members  were  warned  that 
the  suspension  held  for  the  special  occasion  only.     A  placard 


The  Building  Construction  Employers!'  Association       187 

containing  the  rule  has  been  prepared  for  the  member  to 
post  in  a  conspicuous  place  in  his  office,  so  that  the  union 
solicitor  can  be  shown  immediately  the  law  of  the  Asso- 
ciation.^'^ 

Handling  Labor  Disputes. —  Although  issue  was  not 
joined  with  the  unions  until  191 3,  the  situation  was  bad  in 
the  two  previous  years.  "In  191 1  for  many  months  a  great 
portion  of  the  building  operations  of  the  city  of  Chicago 
v/ere  tied  up  while  rival  unions  disputed  and  fought  over 
questions  of  jurisdiction  and  even  inaugurated  civil  war 
against  each  other, —  their  rival  gunmen  reduced  the  city  of 
Chicago  to  a  state  of  anarchy  during  the  continuance  of  the 
war.  The  contractor,  the  owner,  and  the  public  had  no  con- 
trol over  the  situation,  or  voice  in  the  settlement  of  the  rival 
claims."  ^*  Probably  the  Association  felt  itself  too  weak 
at  that  time  to  enter  into  a  prolonged  or  bitter  struggle. 

In  1 91 2,  the  Association  had  a  minor  struggle  with  the 
Journeymen  Lathers'  Union  in  behalf  of  the  Plastering  Con- 
tractors' Association,  and  demonstrated  its  strength  in  a 
struggle  where  one  union  was  involved.  The  struggle, 
however,  was  costly  to  the  new  Association, —  the  sum  of 
"  Over  fifteen  thousand  dollars  was  expended  to  accom- 
plish the  results  desired. "^^  In  19 13,  a  number  of  unions 
made  demands  upon  the  affiliated  trade  associations,  and  a 
prolonged  struggle  took  place  with  the  Marble  Setters  and 
Helpers'  Union,  in  which  the  Association  spent  several 
thousands  of  dollars  and  declared  a  lockout.^"  Trouble  be- 
gan aboui  the  first  of  the  year,^^  and  broke  forth  more  se- 
riously in  April  when  the  Union  presented  demands  that  the 
contractors  would  not  grant. ^^  Sympathetic  strikes, 
threatened  lockouts  and  conferences  filled  the  next  four 
months.  After  the  Association  had  declared  a  lockout  in- 
volving thousands  of  men,  an  agreement  was  reached  on 
July  18.  1913,  through  a  joint  conference  board  which 
adopted  the  Joint  Conference  Agreement.     During  the  lock- 


i88  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

out,  an  attempt  was  made  by  the  unions  to  have  the  City 
Council  intervene  because  buildings  in  process  of  erection 
for  the  city  were  being  tied  up.^^  To  this  the  Association 
replied  by  asking  the  City  Council  to  investigate  the  union 
practices  of  intimidation  of  workmen.^^  Architects  and 
others  attempted  to  have  the  matter  arbitrated  during  that 
time  vi^ith  no  immediate  success. ^^  The  situation  was  seri- 
ous from  the  calling  of  the  lockout  on  June  19,  until  the 
agreement  was  reached  on  July  18,  and  various  sorts  of 
moves  were  tried  by  each  side  in  order  to  force  matters.'" 
In  1914,  the  Association  had  trouble  with  the  Sheet  Metal 
Contractors  over  the  employment  of  Sheet  Metal  Workers, 
\jho  had  been  expelled  from  the  Building  Trades  Council 
for  engaging  in  strikes  contrary  to  the  rules  of  the  Coun- 
cil.^^  In  this  case  the  Association  conducted  a  fight  for  the 
dissolution  of  an  injunction  restraining  the  employers  from 
laying  off  members  of  that  union,  and  complained  of  the 
"  unnecessary  postponement  by  the  court."  ^^  The  Asso- 
ciation tried  to  force  the  Sheet  Metal  Contractors'  Asso- 
ciation to  discharge  all  members  of  the  Sheet  Metal  Work- 
ers' Union  in  order  to  force  that  union  to  live  up  to  its 
trade  agreement  and  comply  with  the  rules  of  the  Council. 
In  January,  191 5,  the  Association  threatened  to  take  drastic 
action  with  the  Sheet  Metal  Contractors'  Association^"  al- 
though apparently  none  was  taken  immediately.^^  The  real 
trouble  seems  to  have  grown  out  of  a  conspiracy  between  the 
business  agent  of  the  union  and  an  inner  ring  of  sheet  metal 
contractors  for  the  purpose  of  monopolizing  the  trade  for 
these  contractors  by  calling  strikes  on  the  outsiders. ^^  In 
the  struggle  over  the  "  Uniform  Form  of  Agreement,"  the 
older  controversy  was  pushed  into  the  background.  The 
Chicago  Building  Trades  Council  suspended  the  Sheet  Metal 
Workers'  Union  from  its  organization,  and  did  not  rein- 
state the  Union  until  about  1920.  Under  these  conditions, 
the  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association  did  not 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       189 

attempt  to  discipline  the  Sheet  Metal  Contractors'  Associa- 
tion after  the  court  dissolved  the  injunction  restraining  the 
calling  of  the  lockout.^^  The  B.  C.  E.  A,  has  been  some- 
what lenient  in  the  enforcement  of  its  lockout  orders,  since 
it  cancelled  all  the  fines  and  withdrew  the  notices  of  for- 
feiture of  bonds  of  those  members  who  refused  to  comply 
with  its  order  of  June  19,  19 13,  to  lock  out  workmen. ^^ 

From  the  above,  it  may  be  seen  that  the  Association, 
when  supported  by  its  members,  uses  the  lockout  effectively 
to  force  the  unions  into  line,  but  it  is  not  always  supported 
by  its  members.  Members  of  the  Association,  for  in- 
stance in  19 1 3,  refused  to  lock  out  workmen  when  ordered 
to  do  so,  and  while  the  Association  declared  their  bonds  for- 
feited it  later  deemed  it  expedient  to  withdraw  the  declara- 
tion.^^ It  should  be  noted  at  this  point  that  when  the  Asso- 
ciation declares  a  lockout,  it  exempts  workmen  on  repair 
work  in  tenanted  buildings  or  residences  where  an  emergency 
requires  the  work  to  be  done.'*'*  For  other  work  that  is 
pressing  during  the  period  of  the  lockout's  operation,  the 
Association  employs  nonunion  workmen  or  members  of  a 
rival  or  "  independent "  union  which  the  Association  itself 
has  fostered  or  organized. 

It  is  through  the  joint  agreement  that  the  Association  at- 
tempts to  protect  its  members  against  strikes  and  stoppages 
of  work  on  account  of  jurisdictional  disputes.  This  agree- 
ment provides  "  that  work  upon  buildings  shall  be  continuous 
without  sympathetic  strikes  or  a  cessation  of  work  of  any 
kind  for  any  reason,"  '*^  when  such  work  is  being  performed 
for  members  of  the  Association  by  unions  affiliated  with  the 
Chicago  Building  Trades  Council. ^^  Formerly  matters  in 
dispute  were  referred  to  a  Joint  Conference  Committee  com- 
posed of  an  equal  number  of  representatives,  six  for  each  of 
the  Association  and  Council.'*^ 

The  Joint  Conference  Board,  which  succeeded  the  Joint 
Conference  Committee,  is  composed  of  eight  representatives 


190  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

each  from  the  Association  and  the  Council.^'^  The  Board 
was  organized  in  July,  1913,  to  settle  a  widespread  com- 
bined strike  and  lockout  in  the  building  industry  of  Chicago; 
it  settled  that  trouble  and  drew  up  a  joint  agreement  for 
the  adjustment  of  disputes  in  the  future.^*  Much  of  the 
work  of  the  Board  has  related  to  jurisdictional  disputes  and 
the  prevention  of  sympathetic  strikes.  Unions  out  on  sym- 
pathetic strikes  in  violation  of  the  joint  agreement  have  been 
forced  to  go  back  to  work  by  the  Board.^®  It  has  rendered 
a  number  of  decisions  upon  the  claims  of  rival  unions  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  certain  classes  of  work,  such  as  the  dispute 
between  the  boiler  makers'  and  the  machinery  movers'  unions 
over  the  erection  of  boilers,  where  the  former's  work  ended 
and  the  latter's  began. ^^  It  formulated  the  Uniform  Form 
of  Agreement  to  be  embodied  in  all  trade  agreements  be- 
tween the  unions  afifiliated  with  the  Council  and  the  asso- 
ciations affiliated  with  the  Association.^^  In  fact,  all  mat- 
ters coming  up  between  the  Council  and  the  Association  are 
considered  by  the  Joint  Conference  Board, ^^  and  both  sides 
comply  with  its  decisions,  although  the  Council  has  found  it 
necessary  to  force  unions  to  call  off  sympathetic  and  juris- 
dictional strikes,  and  even  to  dismiss  from  its  body  such 
unions  as  would  not  comply  with  the  decisions  of  the 
Board. ^^  Up  to,  at  least,  May,  1914  —  and  probably  even 
m.ore  recently,  if  not  to  date  —  every  decision  of  the  Board 
has  been  reached  by  a  unanimous  vote.°*  As  the  Board  has 
no  power  to  enforce  its  decisions  except  by  an  appeal  to  the 
Association  and  the  Council,  such  unanimity  is  essential  to 
its  greatest  efficiency. 

In  order  to  centralize  the  adjusting  of  labor  disputes  and 
so  make  the  employers  stronger  in  dealing  with  the  unions, 
the  By-Laws  contain  the  following  rules : 

"  Members  of  this  organization  must  refrain  from  discuss- 
ing or  acting  upon  any  labor  dispute  with  labor  representatives 
at  their  places  of  business. 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       191 

"  Should  any  dispute  arise  upon  any  job  or  work  being  done 
by  any  member  of  this  Association,  it  shall  be  referred  to  the 
association  of  the  trade  of  which  the  member  is  affiliated,  or 
referred  to  the  Grievance  Committee  of  this  Association.  If 
such  disputes  are  subject  to  any  agreement  a  member  of  his 
association  may  have  with  a  trade  union,  it  shall  be  adjusted 
through  the  Joint  Arbitration  Board  as  provided  in  the  agree- 
ment. All  disputes  and  facts  in  connection  with  them  and  any 
decisions  or  rulings  in  regard  to  them  shall  be  reported  to  the 
office  of  this  organization."  °' 

Further  centralization  is  provided  for  in  the  Constitution  by 
the  requirement  that, 

"  No  trade  agreement,  either  individual  or  collective,  re- 
specting the  employment  of  labor,  or  terms  and  conditions  of 
the  employment  of  such,  shall  be  signed  by  any  member,  or  by 
any  officer  or  arbitration  committee  of  any  association  affiliated 
with  this  organization,  until  the  proposed  agreement  in  full  has 
been  first  submitted  to  the  Executive  Board  of  this  organization 
and  approved  by  them,  and  no  change  shall  be  made  in  any 
agreement  during  the  life  of  the  same,  until  the  proposed 
change  shall  have  first  been  approved  by  the  member  or  Asso- 
ciation party  thereto,  and  the  Executive  Board  of  this  organi- 
zation." '^^ 

Furthermore,  this  centralization  extends  to  individual  mem- 
bers as  well  as  to  represented  members,  since, 

"  Every  individual  member  is  bound  by  all  agreements,  con- 
tracts, arbitrations  and  regulations,  concerning  or  affecting  in 
any  way  employees,  which  may  be  made  by  the  Association 
members  representing  the  respective  trades  in  which  the  indi- 
vidual member  is  engaged ;  provided,  such  agreements,  con- 
tracts, arbitrations  and  regulations  have  been  approved  by  the 
Executive  Board  of  this  organization."  °^ 

Cardinal  Principles. —  As  a  standard  by  which  members 
and  the  Executive  Board  or  Committee  may  judge  as  to  the 


192  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

proper  characteristics  in  an  agreement,  the  Association  has 
laid  down  the  following  rules  and  principles  to  govern  trade 
agreements  made,  directly  or  indirectly,  between  it  and 
a  trade  union : 

"  All  trade  agreements  entered  into  between  members,  in- 
cluding represented  and  association  members,  or  between  asso- 
ciations affiliated  with  this  organization  and  any  employees  or 
any  association  of  employees,  must  contain  provisions  that  there 
will  be  no  cessation  of  work  pending  the  settlement  of  any 
question  or  dispute,  and  that  all  questions  or  disputes  affecting 
either  parties  to  the  -agreement  shall  be  decided  by  arbitration, 
to  be  provided  for  in  the  agreement. 

"  The  following  eight  cardinal  principles  of  this  organiza- 
tion must  be  inserted  also  in  all  agreements  and  must  be  set 
forth  in  the  fore  part  of  all  agreements  as  being  the  basis  upon 
which  said  agreement  is  made. 

"  I.  That  there  shall  be  no  limitation  as  to  the  amount  of 
work  a  man  shall  perform  during  his  working  day. 

"  2.  That  there  shall  be  no  restriction  of  the  use  of 
machinery  or  tools. 

"  3.  Tha-t  there  shall  be  no  restriction  of  the  use  of  any  raw 
or  manufactured  material  except  prison-made. 

"  4.  That  no  person  shall  have  the  right  to  interfere  with 
workmen  during  working  hours. 

"  5,  That  the  use  of  apprentices  shall  not  be  prohibited. 

"  6.  That  the  foreman  shall  be  selected  by  and  be  the  agent 
of  the  employer. 

"  7.  That  all  workmen  are  at  liberty  to  work  for  whomso- 
ever they  see  fit. 

"  8.  That  all  employers  are  at  liberty  to  employ  and  dis- 
charge whomsoever  they  see  fit."  ^^ 

Uniform  Form  of  Agreement. —  These  principles, 
nearly  word  for  word,  formed  part  of  the  "  Uniform  Form 
of  Agreement,"  over  which  the  191 5  dispute  took  place. ^® 
They  form  the  basic  idea  of  the  "  Uniform  Form  of  Agree- 
ment." «« 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       193 

The  first  attempt  to  formulate  a  uniform  form  of  agree- 
ment was  made  by  the  Executive  Committee  in  October, 
191 4.  That  Committee  then  had  the  aim  to  "  endeavor  to 
have  jurisdictional  lines  so  drawn  and  defined  that  there  will 
be  no  overlapping  in  agreements  when  they  are  made."  ** 
Such  an  aim  was  not  embodied  in  the  "  Uniform  Form  of 
Agreement "  finally  agreed  upon  by  the  Joint  Conference 
Board.®^  The  main  purpose  of  the  present  form  of 
agreement  is  "  to  insure  to  all  that  work  upon  buildings  in 
this  city  shall  be  continuous  and  without  interruption."  ®^ 
The  Agreement  provides  for  a  Joint  Arbitration  Board,  in 
reality  a  board  of  conciliation,  since  it  is  to  be  composed  of 
an  equal  number  of  representatives  of  employers  and  em- 
ployees "  engaged  in  the  trade  "  covered  by  the  particular 
agreement.®'*  The  Board  has  full  power  to  enforce  this 
agreement  and  to  make  and  enforce  all  lawful  working  rules 
governing  both  parties  to  the  agreement.  It  has  jurisdiction 
over  all  disputes  that  cannot  be  settled  by  the  presidents  of 
the  two  organizations,  parties  to  the  agreement ;  and  for  the 
purpose  of  deciding  the  points  at  issue,  has  the  right  to  sum- 
mon members  of  either  organization  when  complaints  are 
lodged  against  them.  It  has  the  power  to  fine  or  suspend 
members  of  either  organization  for  violating  its  orders  and 
decisions.®*  With  this  Agreement  universally  accepted  and 
efficiently  administered,  "  The  sympathetic  strike  must  go 
and  all  disputes  be  adjusted  by  arbitration  without  the  stop- 
page of  work."  ®^  The  grave  problem  left,  after  all  the 
unions  and  associations  have  agreed  to  the  "  Uniform  Form 
of  Agreement,"  will  continue  to  be  the  matter  of  efficient  ad- 
ministration. But  it  is  hardly  probable  that  all  of  the  build- 
ing-trades unions  and  associations  will  ever  sign,  or  abide  by 
the  Agreement  when  they  do  sign,  for  there  were  two  or 
three  trades  in  the  city  which  would  not  sign  the  uniform 
form,*®  and  opposition  to  it  by  a  number  of  the  members  of 
the  building-trades  unions  has  been  strong.  It  was,  however, 
strongly  supported  in  the  beginning  by  the  Chicago  Building 


194  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Trades  Council.     The  Agreement  has  been  in  effect  for  more 
than  five  years  and  has  not  proven  entirely  satisfactory.®' 

Success  or  Failure  of  the  Agreement. —  The  Joint  Con- 
ference Board  provided  for  in  the  Agreement,  has  decided 
and  settled  about  40  different  controversies  in  the  building 
industry  in  the  past  six  years.  The  unions  have  repeatedly 
violated  the  agreement  by  calling  jurisdictional  and  sympa- 
thetic strikes.  A  long  controversy  between  the  carpenter 
contractors  and  the  carpenters'  union  over  an  advance  in 
wages  in  excess  of  those  provided  for  in  the  trade  agreement, 
filially  resulted  in  the  B.  C.  E.  A.  resolving  to  call  a  lockout 
in  certain  trades  or  in  all  trades  if  deemed  necessary.  Even 
then  the  local  federation  of  unions  in  the  building  trades 
—  the  Building  Trades  Council  —  refused  to  act,  and  the 
lockout  was  called.  The  carpenter  contractors  combined 
with  the  material  dealers  to  stop  all  building  operations  in 
Chicago,  and  so  make  the  lockout  effective.  However,  the 
demand  for  carpenters  was  so  great  in  other  cities,  and  the 
insistence  of  prospective  building  owners  was  so  strong, 
that  the  Association  was  forced  to  make  a  complete  sur- 
render to  the  unions,  and  to  advance  wages  generally  to 
$1.25  an  hour.  Workmen  frequently  required  in  addition 
premiums  and  overtime  at  double  rates.  Such  conditions 
led  the  Association  to  caution  the  contractors  not  to  get 
caught  with  low  figures.  In  1921,  a  strike  against  wage 
reductions  was  finally  arbitrated  and  a  reduced  scale 
awarded  for  certain  trades,  and  terms  of  their  joint  agree- 
ments changed.  In  trades  which  retained  their  wasteful 
practices  and  monopoly  and  which  refused  to  abide  by  the 
awards,  the  Association  threatened  the  open  shop.  It 
is  clear  that  the  Agreement  has  not  been  scrupulously 
observed,  nor  has  it  prevented  protracted  strikes  and 
other  troubles,  such  as  the  extended  lawsuits  that  the 
Association    has    had    to    sustain    as    a    result    of    the 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       195 

combination  of  the  carpenter  contractors  and  the  material 
dealers.  The  Association  has  complained  bitterly  that  the 
unions  have  regarded  the  joint  agreements  as  mere  "  scraps 
of  paper."  ^^ 

Subcontracts. —  The  Association  encourages  the  sublet- 
ting of  all  contracts  by  a  member  to  other  members.  For- 
merly the  Association  reduced  the  member's  dues  upon  a 
contract  to  the  extent  of  the  amount  of  subcontracts  let  to 
other  members.®*  At  the  present  time  it  recommends  as 
strongly  as  it  may,  a  recommendation  that  is  almost  a  com- 
mand, that  a  member  sublet  his  contracts  to  other  members. 
Its  Constitution  provides  as  follows :  "  To  promote  and 
maintain  4iarmony  between  different  trades,  it  is  desirable 
and  is  recommended  that  members  of  the  organization  shall 
place  all  orders  for  work  or  material  requiring  labor  at  the 
building  in  any  trade  represented  on  the  Board  with  mem- 
bers of  this  organization."  "^^  Bulletins  of  the  Association 
make  the  point  clear  that  such  recommendation  is  a  rule. 
To  quote:  "Complaints  are  still  being  received  that  the 
members  do  not  fully  live  up  to  the  rules  respecting  the  let- 
ting of  their  sub-work.  The  interests  of  each  member'  and 
the  Association  can  best  be  conserved  by  every  member  re- 
specting each  other's  rights  and  interests.  More  support 
can  be  obtained  for  the  Association  and  more  encourage- 
ment given  members,  if  all  who  have  any  sub-work  to  let  will 
but  give  the  matter  a  thought,  giving  preference  to  those  who 
are  helping  to  maintain  conditions  for  all  by  their  affiliation 
with  this  organization."'^^  This  idea  has  been  kept  before 
the  members  for  some  time,'^  and  an  amendment  to  the 
By-Laws  was  proposed  in  1913  that  dues  should  be  one 
per  cent  instead  of  one-tenth  of  one  per  cent  upon  any  work 
sublet  by  a  member  to  a  non-member  of  the  Association,^^ 
but  the  proposal  was  defeated. ^^  However,  the  attempt 
showed  the  prevalence  of  the  idea,  as  the  proposal  was 
hardly  expedient.     Members  have  been  warned  of  the  dan- 


196  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ger  attending  the  subletting  of  contracts  to  non-members, 
and  instances  recounted  where  delays  and  strife  resulted 
from  the  subletting  of  contracts  to  outsiders. ^^  Members 
are  cautioned  that  they  cannot  enjoy  the  protection  of  the 
Association  against  strikes  through  the  joint  agreement  be- 
tween the  Association  and  the  Building  Trades  Council,  if 
contracts  are  sublet  to  non-members,  for  against  these  the 
unions  may  call  strikes  freely  without  violating  the  agree- 
mentJ*^  The  Association  does  not  take  up  labor  difficulties 
for  a  member  of  an  affiliated  trade  association  when  he  has 
not  qualified  for  and  paid  dues  to  the  B.  C.  E.  A.  itself.'^'^ 
Other  Activities. —  The  Association  has  engaged  in  ac- 
tivities other  than  those  illustrated  above.  In  a  number  of 
cases  it  has  stopped  the  use  of  maintenance  men,  that  is,  men 
who  are  kept  on  the  job  in  anticipation  of  the  need  of  their 
services.  They  are  regarded  by  the  Association  as  idlers  on 
pay.^^  It  has  ordered  its  members  not  to  pay  their  work- 
men for  "  waiting  time,"  that  is,  for  the  time  lost  in  strik- 
ing, although  in  1920,  this  order  caused  a  renewal  of 
strikes. "^^  It  forced,  for  instance,  the  Glaziers'  Union  to 
discontinue  the  issue  of  an  "  Unfair  List."  ^"  It  took  part 
in  the  promotion  of  a  new  union  in  a  trade  in  which  the  old 
union  was  considered  as  over-belligerent.®^  It  aided  in  the 
defense  of  its  members  who  were  prosecuted  for  conspiracy 
in  the  combination  case  of  carpenter  contractors  and  material 
dealers.*^  It  refused  to  recognize  the  Timekeepers  and 
Material  Clerks'  Union  on  the  ground  that  these  men  should 
represent  the  employer.®^  It  has  complained  of  the  de- 
creased efficiency  of  workmen  — "  labor  slacking  in  produc- 
tion " —  and  attributed  high  costs  to  the  lessened  produc- 
tivity of  the  wage  earners.  It  has  also  urged  the  local  trade 
associations  to  make  every  effort  to  foster  vocational  train- 
ing for  apprentices,  because,  "  the  country  is  calling  and 
needs  more  skilled  mechanics."  ®^  It  has  opposed  legisla- 
tion which  it  believes  is  inimical  to  the  interests  of  the  con- 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       197 

tractors,  and  has  co-operated  with  other  associations  in  the 
promotion  of  amendments  to  such  laws  in  order  to  make 
them  less  objectionable.^^  For  example,  the  Association 
opposed  before  the  City  Council  of  Chicago  a  measure  pro- 
viding for  a  strike  bureau.*®  It  opposed  before  the  Illinois 
State  Legislature,  amendments  to  the  Compensation  Law, 
such  as  increasing  the  weekly  indemnity ;  *^  an  anti-injunc- 
tion bill;*®  an  eight-hour  bill;*^  and  a  bill  for  jury  trial  in 
contempt  cases. "'^  It  has  advocated  certain  other  bills,  such 
as  the  scaffolding  bill.°^  It  endorsed  its  attorney,  Mr. 
Samuel  Harper,  for  a  position  on  the  Industrial  Board  of 
the  State  of  Illinois.®^  It  protested  to  Congress  against  the 
enactment  of  laws  further  to  restrict  immigration.^^  It 
urged  members  "  to  look  up  candidates  for  the  legislature 
and  see  that  they  are  right,"  ^^  and  it  endorsed  E.  W. 
Sproul  for  Congress.^^  In  another  field,  it  considered  the 
rates  charged  by  the  old  line  liability  insurance  companies  as 
excessive,  and  established  a  mutual  liability  insurance  com- 
pany of  contractors.®^ 

Interrelations. —  The  Association  has  affiliated  with  it 
the  following  trade  associations :  Associated  Builders  of 
Chicago  [which  is  an  amalgamation  of  the  Builders'  As- 
sociation of  Chicago,  and  the  Carpenter  Contractors'  Asso- 
ciation], Chicago  Mantel  and  Tile  Contractors'  Associa- 
tion, Chicago  Marble  Dealers'  Association,  Chicago  Master 
Plumbers'  Association,  Chicago  Master  Steamfitters'  Asso- 
ciation, Chicago  Mosaic  and  Terrazzo  Dealers'  Association, 
Composition  Floor  Manufacturers'  Association,  Concrete 
Contractors'  Association,  Cut  Stone  Contractors'  Associa- 
tion, Decorating  and  Painting  Contractors'  Association, 
Electrical  Contractors'  Association,  Evanston-Wilmette- 
Kenilworth  Master  Plumbers'  Association,  Illinois  Fireproof 
and  Manufacturing  Contractors'  Association,  Iron  League 
of  Chicago,  Lighting  Fixture  Employers,  Master  Roofers' 
Association  of  Chicago,  Mastic  Floor  Manufacturers  and 


198         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Contractors'  Association,  Ornamental  Glass  Manufacturers, 
Plastering  Contractors'  Association,  Plate  and  Window 
Glass  Jobbers,  Pipe  and  Boiler  Covering  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation, Sheet  Metal  Contractors'  Association,  Woodwork- 
ers Employers'  Association.®'^  While  each  of  these  asso- 
ciations has  its  individual  characteristics,  the  B.  C.  E.  A. 
may  fairly  be  said  to  typify  them. 

The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association  is, 
in  turn,  affiliated  with  the  Associated  Employers'  of  Illi- 
nois,®^ and  has  agitated  for  some  years  for  a  state  and 
national  association  of  contractors,  both  of  which  have  been 
formed  and  with  which  it  has  affiliated.  These  new  associa- 
tions are  the  Associated  Building  Contractors  of  Illinois, 
and  the  National  Association  of  Building  Trades  Employ- 
ers.®® Along  with  other  building  trades  associations,  it  took 
part  in  the  formation  of  a  "  National  Board  of  Jurisdic- 
tional Awards,"  a  Board  composed  of  delegates  from  the 
building  trades  unions  and  associations  who  decide  juris- 
dictional disputes.^®® 

The  Association  has  also  been  related  to  other  organiza- 
tions. "  A  committee  representing  the  Building  Construc- 
tion Employers'  Association,  met  with  representatives  of 
other  employers'  associations  and  agreed  to  amendments 
to  certain  sections  in  the  proposed  bill  "  on  workmen's  com- 
pensation before  the  Illinois  Legislature  in  1913.^®^  The 
Association  has  aided  in  the  formation  of  other  associations. 
The  builders  of  Indianapolis  formed  an  organization,  adopt- 
ing the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  this  Association  as  a 
basis.^"^  The  Pittsburgh  contractors  also  took  this  Asso- 
ciation as  a  model,  and  Secretary  Craig  went  to  Pittsburgh 
to  assist  in  the  formation  of  the  Building  Construction  Em- 
ployers' Association  of  that  City.^®^  Secretary  Craig  has 
addressed  a  number  of  associations,  among  which  have  been : 
the  contractors  of  Freeport,  Illinois,  when  they  were  form- 
ing an  organization  modeled  upon  this  Association ;  ^®^  the 
Associated  General  Contractors  of  America  in  1921;  the 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       199 

Builders'  Exchange  of  St,  Paul,  where  he  explained  at 
length  the  workings  of  his  organization ;  ^'^^  the  Kankakee 
Builders'  Exchange  at  its  annual  banquet  in  1915;^*^^  the 
builders  of  Indianapolis  along  with  other  officers  of  this 
Association;  the  builders  at  Hammond  and  the  Building 
Construction  Employers'  Association  of  Cincinnati, ^"^  and 
the  contractors  of  Alton,  Illinois,*^*  Ex-President  Gindele 
has  also  addressed  other  associations,^^^  for  instance,  he 
appeared  as  one  of  the  principal  speakers  at  the  annual  ban- 
quet of  the  Builders  &  Traders'  Exchange  in  1914.^^"  Other 
associations  than  those  mentioned  above  have  been  influ- 
enced, both  in  form  and  activities,  by  this  Association. 
"  The  Contractors'  Association  of  San  Francisco  requested 
two  hundred  and  fifty  copies  of  the  special  organization 
edition  of  the  Bulletin  to  be  sent  them,  as  they  desired  to 
send  a  copy  to  each  of  their  members  to  show  them  what 
organized  efforts  would  mean  and  what  had  been  accom- 
plished by  the  Chicago  Association."  ^"  The  extent  of  this 
influence  is  suggested  in  the  case  of  one  of  the  associations 
mentioned  above :  the  builders  of  Cincinnati  have  an  organi- 
zation not  only  named  and  modeled  after  this  Association, 
but  they  have  also  used  the  lockout  in  a  similar  manner,  have 
taken  the  trade  agreements  of  the  Chicago  organization  as 
a  guide  for  their  own  agreements,  and  have  attempted  to 
have  members  sublet  contracts  to  members  only.^^^  The 
Cincinnati  Building  Construction  EmpJoyers'  Association 
also  has  published  a  Bulletin  similar  to  that  issued  by  the 
Chicago  Association.  The  Indianapolis  Association  fol- 
lowing along  the  lines  of  the  organization  in  Chicago,  has 
used  the  method  of  threatening  to  fill  the  strikers'  places 
with  nonunion  workmen,  in  order  to  force  the  union  to 
call  off  the  strike.  ^^'  In  1920,  it  endorsed  the  aims  and  ob- 
jects of  the  "  United  Americans  of  Illinois,"  and  contributed 
$2,5CXD  to  that  cause.^^*     Finally,  the  recognition  accorded 


200  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

to  this  Association  by  the  belligerent  National  Erectors'  As- 
sociation is  thus  set  forth  in  a  note  in  the  Bulletin  of  the  B. 
C.  E.  A,  for  December,  1913: 

"  The  November  Bulletin  of  the  National  Erectors^  Associa- 
tion states  that  *  the  Building  Construction  Employers'  Asso- 
ciaition  of  Chicago  has  had  a  phenomenal  growth,  its  chief 
purpose  being  to  eliminate  the  sympathetic  strike.  It  already 
has  had  a  large  measure  of  success  and  is  at  present  in  a  fair 
way  to  gain  the  recognition  of  this  principle  from  the  unions 
themselves.' "  "^ 

The  Association  has  thus  summed  up  its  structure  and 
activities:  ^^^ 

"  The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association  is  a 
central  association  composed  of  twenty  or  more  trades  doing 
building  construction  work  in  Chicago.  It  has  always  fostered 
and  encouraged  trade  associations  and  recognized  the  rights 
of  its  individual  units  to  make  rules  for  the  government,  con- 
duct and  welfare  of  its  branch  of  the  building  industry.  It 
guarantees  and  gives  them  autonomy  in  all  matters  pertaining 
to  their  industry,  except  those  which  are  specifically  men- 
tioned in  its  Constitution  and  By-Laws. 

"  Its  Executive  Board  since  its  inception  has  been  composed 
of  duly  selected  members  of  each  craft,  trade  representation 
upon  its  governing  body  being  deemed  most  essential  to  the 
welfare  of  the  industry.  Under  this  method  it  has  kept  in 
direct  touch  with  each  individual  trade  and  has  been  able  to 
give  them  better  service  and  preserve  the  rights  of  trades  with- 
out friction  or  criticism  from  its  trade  units. 

"  It  has  unanimously,  repeatedly  and  at  great  cost  given  its 
united  support  to  its  weaker  units  and  without  hesitation  un- 
grudgingly gave  its  best  efforts  to  obtain  satisfactory  conditions 
for  the  stronger  units  including  even  those  whom  it  was  under 
no  obligation  to  assist. 

"  Its  whole  object  is  and  has  been  to  obtain  for  the  building 
interests  of  Chicago,  sane,  safe  and  satisfactory  working  con- 
ditions and  make  for  a  continuation  of  prosperity  in  the  build- 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       201 

ing  construction  line.  No  trade  unit,  large  or  small  in  numbers 
has  ever  complained  that  because  of  the  composition  of  the 
Executive  Board  through  trade  representation,  its  individual 
interests  were  not  always  looked  after  and  that  because  of 
its  numbers  it  was  ever  taken  advantage  of  and  had  not  been 
given  fair  consideration. 

"  The  Executive  Board  of  the  Building  Construction  Em- 
ployers' Association  is  and  has  always  been  composed  of  men 
from  the  different  trade  units,  who  were  unselfish  and  broad- 
minded  enough  to  forget  their  own  individual  interest,  or  that 
of  the  trade  they  represented  when  confronted  with  problems 
affecting  the  industry  or  the  Association  and  its  members  as 
a  whole. 

"  This  co-operative  unselfish  spirit  has  manifested  itself  in 
every  action  taken  by  the  Executive  Board  and  has  permeated 
every  move  inaugurated  for  the  benefit  of  the  entire  building 
industry,  irrespective  of  the  inconvenience  and  cost  either  to 
the  individual,  his  trade  association,  or  the  central  organi- 
zation. 

"  Nearly  ten  years  of  organization,  nearly  ten  years  of  expe- 
rience with  its  strife  and  turmoil,  nearly  ten  years  of  associa- 
tion, co-operation  and  effort,  and  nearly  ten  years  of  close 
affiliation,  cause  many  to  hesitate  to  cast  their  lot  with  a  new 
method  and  throw  aside  one  they  know  can  skillfully  handle 
their  problems  and  one  which  has  proven  time  and  again  so 
satisfactory  to  the  interests  they  represent.  The  will  of  the 
majority  of  the  units,  whose  combined  and  individual  inter- 
ests are  paramount  to  them  as  units,  rather  than  a  majority 
of  the  whole  whose  interests  are  not  to  be  compared  in  either 
volume  or  importance  are  in  the  minds  of  many  most  essen- 
tial to  the  successful  operation  of  a  central  organization."  "" 

Other  Associations  in  the  Building  Industry. —  In  ad- 
dition to  the  associations  studied  and  referred  to  above,  there 
are  in  the  building  industry  a  large  number  of  organizations 
so  varied  in  detail  that  a  study  of  them  cannot  be  made 
here.  A  number  of  the  trade  associations  are  of  the 
combination  type  so  much  complained  of  by  the  belligerent 


202  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

associations.  In  New  York  City,  the  Master  Carpenters' 
Association,  and  in  Chicago,  the  Chicago  Lighting  Fixture 
Association,  have  been  in  the  past  few  years  before  the 
courts  charged  with  being  in  conspiracy  with  the  unions 
against  independent  concerns. ^^'^  It  is  current  among  the 
leaders  of  the  trade  associations  that  the  associations  other 
than  their  own  fix  prices,  although  they  deny  that  their  own 
association  attempts  to  do  so.^^^  The  combination  associa- 
tion is  usually  a  negotiatory  association,  and  undoubtedly 
the  majority  of  the  building-trades  associations  are  nego- 
tiatory. There  have  been,  however,  a  number  of  belligerent 
building-trades  associations,  such  as  the  Master  Painters'  & 
Decorators'  Association  of  Chicago,  the  Illinois  State  Asso- 
ciation of  Master  House  Painters  and  Decorators,  and  the 
International  Association  of  Master  House  Painters  and 
Decorators  of  the  United  States  and  Canada. ^^^  The 
belligerent  National  Erectors'  Association  is  often  classed 
in  the  building  industry,  because  its  operations  extend  to  the 
erection  of  steel  frames  for  large  buildings.  The  National 
Association  of  Sheet  Metal  Contractors  has  adopted  open- 
shop  principles. ^^^  The  National  Association  of  Builders' 
Exchanges  also  seems  to  have  been  belligerent  for  the  Indus- 
trial Gazette  the  official  journal  of  the  Pennsylvania  State 
Association  and  the  National  Association  of  Builders'  Ex- 
changes, has  been  distinctly  nonunion  in  attitude.  ^^^  The 
latter  association  is  now  negotiatory.^^  It  is  probably  safe 
to  say  that  many  of  the  local  associations  affiliated  with  these 
organizations  likewise  have  been  belligerent.  But  these  or- 
ganizations have  not  been  notably  strong.  There  is  no 
strong  national  association  of  federated  local  builders'  asso- 
ciations, although  there  are  a  number  of  bodies  that  claim 
to  be  such.  Attempts  to  form  a  strong  body  of  this  char- 
acter have  apparently  failed.  There  is  now  great  activity 
in  this  field.  Furthermore,  centralization  of  associations  in 
the  building  industry  will  not  soon  reach  the  stage  of  that  in 


The  Building  Construction  Employers'  Association       20^^ 

the  iron  and  steel  industry,  because  of  the  craft  nature  of  the 
trades. 

REFERENCES 

1  Qualified  Members  of  the  Building  Construction  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation of  Chicago,  (Abv.  Qualified  Members)  ;  Industrial  Relations, 
Final  Report  and  Testimony,  U.  S.  Commission  on  Industrial  Rela- 
tions, 3336,  3357,  (Abv.  Ind  Rel)  ;  My  '20  The  Building  Construction 
Employers'  Association,  Monthly  Bulletin,  5.  (Abv.  Bui)  ;  I>(i7)  Let- 
ter. 2  Qualified  Members;  see  also  Mr  '15  Bui  8;  D  '20  Bui  i.  ^  Con- 
stitution and  By-Laws  of  the  Building  Construction  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation of  Chicago,  (1917),  2-3,  36,  (Abv.  Const) ;  F  '17  Bui  4.  *  Ja 
'17  Bui  8,  II.  ^  Const  2-3.  «  Const  i.  '^  Const  6-12,  and  Amendment 
of  March  11,  1919;  F  '17  Bui  4,  5;  Mr  '17  Bui  8.  *  Const  11,  19;  Ja  '17 
Bui  2;  F  '17  Bui  4.  » Const  9-12,  14-15.  10  Mr  '17  Bui 
8;  Const  29-32;  F  '17  Bui  4,  5;  See  also  Au  '20  Bui  2;  S  '20  Bui  7; 
O  '20  Bui  7,  8;  N  '20  Bui  i;  D  '20  Bui  2.  "Qualified  Members; 
Jl  '17  Bui  8.  12  Const  lo-ii,  16.  i3  Const  15;  F  '17  Bui  4,  5;  Ap  '17 
Bui  7,  8.  1*  Const  24-27;  see  also  Ja  '17  Bui  7;  F  '17  Bui  5;  Mr  '17 
Bui  7.  15  Amendment  to  Constitution,  March  11,  1919.  ^^  Const  41; 
see  also  14,  42;  F  '17  Bui  1-4,  9,  11;  Ap  '17  Bui  9:  My  '17  Bui  4-5; 
Amendment  of  March  11,  1919.  "^  Const  28,  32.  ^^  Const  27-28;  see 
also  F  '17  Bui  I,  3,  s;  Ap  '17  Bui  3;  Je  '17  Bui  3.  1°  Amendment  to 
Constitution  of  April  8,  1919;  Ind  Rel  3343-3344.  ^o  u.  S.  Industrial 
Commission,  Report  on  Chicago  Labor  Dispute  of  1900  .  .  .  Vol.  8, 
pp.  Iviii,  314.  For  an  account  of  this  period,  see  Commons'  Trade 
Unionism  and  Labor  Problems,  ch.  5.  21  Q  '13  Bui  2.  22  j^jy  'j^  BuI 
5.  23  o  '13  Bui  5.  24  Const  40;  see  also  Je  '20  Bui  7.  255  '13  Bui 
3;  O  '13  Bui  5;  O  '14  Bui  4.  26  Ja  '17  Bui  2;  F  '17  Bui  8;  Je  '17  Bui  7. 
27  My  '73  Bui  3;  N  '13  Bui  3.  28  j^  '15  American  Industries  16;  see 
also  Chicago  newspapers  of  that  date,  and  in  1912,  for  example, 
Chicago  Tribune  My  8,  Je  6,  N  10,  1912.  299  '13  Bui  5;  see  also 
S  '13  Bui  2.  300  '13  Bui  6.  8ija(i8)'i3  Chicago  Tribune;  also 
Chicago  News.  ^-M.y  '13  Bui  2;  Ap(i2)'i3  Chicago  Tribune.  ^^  Je 
(25)'i3  Chicago  News.  ^••Je(3o)'i3  Chicago  Tribune.  3=Je(25)'i3 
Chicago  News,  ^e  q  '13  Bui  6;  Je(29)'i3  Chicago  Tribune.  ^7  5  '14 
Bui  1-2.  38  0  '14  Bui  1-2.  89  Ja  'is  Bui  3-  ""  F  '15  Bui  6.  "^  O  '14 
Review  4,77.  *2  jg  '17  Bui  4;  Je(28)'20  Letter.  *^'D  '13  Bui  2;  S  '14 
Bui  2.  "Const  40.  ■•'^O  '13  Bui  6.  *«  S  '13  Bui  i;  F  '14  Bui  1-2: 
O  '14  Bui  7-9,  16;  Ind  Rel  3337.  *'' ¥  '15  Bnl  3;  Ja  '17  Bui  10. 
"O  '13  Bui  7.  "s  '13  Bui  i;  My  '17  Bui  3.  505  '13  Bnl  i ;  O  '13 
Bui  8;  S  '14  Bui  2-3;  Ja  '15  Bui  2-3;  O  '14  Bui  2;  F  '14  Bui  1-2; 
Mr  '15  Bui  5.  "F  '15  Bui  1-2;  Ap  '15  Bui  5.  "  ]\iy  'i^  BuI  2-3; 
S  '14  BmI  3;  S  '13  Bui  3:  Au  '20  Bui  2;  S  '20  Bui  2;  O  '20  Bui  10;  N 
'20  Bui  2;  but  cf.  Ja  '17  Bui  3.    ss  S  '13  Bui  4;  Ja  '15  Bui  5 ;  F  '15 


204  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Bui  2-3.  54  My  '14  Bui  3.  S5  Const  38.  ^«  Const  17-18;  see  also  Je  '20 
Bui  7.  "5^  Const  3.  °^  Const  16-17.  ^®  Ap  '15  Bui  7.  «"  Agreement 
itself.  "1  O  '14  Bui  3.  «-Ja  '15  Bui  4;  Agreement)  itself.  83  Ap  '15 
Bui  I.  8*  Agreement  itself;  see  also  Au  '20  Bui  2.  o' Ap  '15  Bui  i. 
««Jl(i2)'i7  Letter.  "^1  '19  Bui  2-5,  8;  S  '19  Bui  1-2,  3,  6,  7;  O  '19 
Bui  3-5,  6,  7,  II,  12;  N  '19  Bui  2,  3,  6;  Ap  '20  Law  and  Labor  96-100; 
My  '20  Bui  8;  Jl  '20  Bui  4;  Au  '20  Bui  2;  An  Anonymous  Circular  and 
the  Reply  Thereto;  Mr  '15  Bui  2,  7;  Ap  '15  Bui  6-9,  11;  «8J1  '19 
Bui  5;  O  '20  Bui  2,  10;  N  '20  Bui  2,  3,  4;  D  '20  Bui  6,  8.  «9  Const 
(1911)  32.  '^0  Const  (1917)  16.  '^^Mr  '15  Bui  3;  see  also  Ap  '15  Bui 
11;  Ap  '17  Bui  6.  "O  '13  Bui  11;  N  '13  Bui  4;  F  '14  Bui  2;  O  '14 
Bui  3;  Ja  '17  Bui  3;  Ap  '17  Bui  6.  ^3  q  '13  Bui  11.  ^4  d  '13  BuI  4. 
75  Mr  '14  Bui  4.  76  F  '14  Bui  2.;  Ja  '17  Bul  6.  "  Resolution  of  Oct. 
12,  1915.  "8Je  '13  Bul  2;  O  '13  Bul  6;  Ja  '15  Bul  6.  ^9  Resolution  of 
Oct.  9,  1917;  S  '20  Bul  6;  O  '20  Bul  7,  10;  N  '20  Open  Shop  Review 
453.  80S  '14  Bul  2-3.  81  Ap  'is  Bul  3-4.  *==  O  '19  Bul  11;  N  '19 
Bul  2;  Ap  '20  Law  and  Labor  96-100;  N  20  Bul  8.  83  ]viy  '20  Bul  6. 
8*D  '20  Bul  8;  Je  '20  Bul  4;  Jl  '20  Bul  i ;  Au  '20  Bul  6.  s^  jg  '13  Bul 
4;  O  '13  Bul  5;  F  '17  Bul  6;  Mr  '17  Bul  5;  Ap  '17  Bul  9;  Mr  '15 
Bul  s,  7-  *®Ja  '17  Bul  4-5.  10,  11.  87  Mr  '17  Bul  8;  Je  '19  Bul  2,  13. 
88  Ap  '17  Bul  4,  6.  89  Jl  '17  Bul  6.  »oMy  '17  Bul  i,  7;  Je  '17  Bul  5. 
»iMy  '17  Bul  2;  Jl  '17  Bul  3.  92  Ap  '17  Bul  2.  03  My  '20  Bul  4. 
»*J1  20  Bul  5.  85  Au  '20  Bul  7;  N  '20  Bul  5.  »«  S  '14  Bul  3;  O  '14 
Bul  2,  5;  My  '14  Bul  5-6;  Ja  '15  Bul  6;  F  '15  Bul  5;  Mr  '15  Bul 
7;  Ap  '15  Bul  5;  Ja  '17  Bul  8,  10;  F  '17  Bul  3,  9,  11;  Ap  '17  Bul 
9;  Je  '17  Bul  5;  Jl  '19  Bul  8;  Je  '20  Bul  6;  O  '20  Bul  5;  N  '20  Bul  5. 
»7  Qualified  Members;  Mr  '15  Bul  8;  see  also  F  '17  Bul  7,  8;  Jl 
'20  Bul  2;  Au  '20  Bul  6;  Mr  '17  Bul  4,  5,  7,  9,  10;  Ap  '17  Bul  5; 
My  '17  Bul  7;  Je  '17  Bul  2;  Jl  '17  Bul  i,  7;   S  '20  Bul  5;  N  '20  Bul 

5.  98  F  '17  Bul  6;  Mr  '17  Bul  5;  D  '20  Bul  4.  9»  Mr  '17  Bul  7;  Ap 
'17  Bul  9;  Je  '17  Bul  7;  Jl  '17  Bul  3;  Je  '19  Bul  2,  8,  13,  14;  Jl  '19 
Bul  6;   S  '19  Bul   7;   O  '19  Bul  8-1 1 ;   N   '19  Bul  6;   Ap   '20  Bul   5, 

6,  9;  My  '20  Bul  7,  8;  Je  '20  Bul  5,  6;  Jl  '20  Bul  3;  Au  '20  Bul  4,  8; 
S  '20  Bul  3,  10,  II ;  O  '20  Bul  4,  10;  N  '20  Bul  3,  4,  6;  D  '20  Bul  3,  8. 
100  Ap  '20  Bul  i;  My  '20  Bul  2-4;  Jl  '20  Bul  i;  Au  '20  Bul  i ;  S  '20 
Bul  I ;  O  '20  Bul  I ;  D  '20  Bul  2.  "i  My  '13  Bul  4.  102  £>  '13  BuI  3. 
103  0  '15  Bul  5;  Ja  '15  Bul  8.  loi  p  '14  Bul  4.  lo^  p  '14  Bul  7. 
106  Mr  '15  Bul  7.  107  D  '13  Bul  3;  N  '20  Bul  8.  los  jg  '19  Bul  9. 
109  F  '17  Bul  h;  Je  '17  Bul  6.  nop  '14  Bul  4.  m  D  '13  Bul  4;  see 
also  D  '20  Law  and  Labor  ^3.  112  Je  '13  Bul  4;  My  '14  Bul  6. 
"3  My  '14  Bul  7.  114  Jl  '20  Bul  i;  Au  '20  Bul  3;  O  '20  Bul  6;  see 
also  N  '20  Bul  8;  D  '20  Bul  2.  us  D  '13  Bul  4.  "«  D  '20  Bul  i;  see 
also  5.  117  My  '15  Review  228,  230-238;  Ap  '15  American  Industries  29. 
118  Interviews,  n^  Constitutions  of  these  associations  and  interviews. 
120  Ja  '13  Master  Sheet  Metal  Workers'  Journal,  "i  The  Gazette 
itself;  see  also  Ja  '17  Bul  9.    122  Ap  '20,  Bul  i. 


PART  III 
ASSOCIATIONS  IN  THE  PRINTING  INDUSTRY 


CHAPTER  VIII 

THE  AMERICAN  NEWSPAPER  PUBLISHERS' 
ASSOCIATION 

The  complex  conditions  of  the  conflict  are  further  illum- 
inated by  a  study  of  the  associations  in  the  printing  in- 
dustry. These  furnish  a  contrast  to  the  associations  pre- 
viously discussed.  The  associations  in  the  printing  industry 
have  not  developed  the  functions  in  labor  matters  that  the 
associations  in  the  iron  and  steel  industry  have,  nor  have 
they  the  complex  organization  found  in  the  associations 
studied  in  the  building  industry,  although  one  of  them  is 
developing  such.  This,  too,  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  the 
two  prominent  associations  in  the  printing  industry  were  or- 
ganized many  years  prior  to  the  two  associations  in  the 
building  industry  and  the  three  belligerent  associations  in 
the  iron  group.  The  associations  in  the  printing  industry 
cannot  be  classed  as  belligerent  as  a  group,  nor  as  negotia- 
tory  organizations  as  a  whole.  The  conditions  in  the  in- 
dustry are  such  that  the  association  in  the  newspaper  field  is 
negotiatory,  while  that  in  the  book  publishing  business  is 
partly  belligerent,  partly  negotiatory.  These  associations 
are  respectively,  the  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Asso- 
ciation, and  the  United  Typothetae  of  America.  These  as- 
sociations, unlike  the  six  studied  previously,  do  not  make 
labor  matters  their  main  consideration. 

Membership. — "  The  American  Newspaper  Publishers' 
Association  is  composed  of  the  principal  daily  newspapers  in 
the  United  States  and  Canada.  It  has  a  membership  of 
551,  of  which  539  are  active  and  12  associate.     Practically 

207 


2o8  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

all  the  large  newspapers  published  in  the  United  States  and 
Canada  are  members  of  the  Association.  Associate  mem- 
bers are  admitted  from  cities  of  not  over  40,000  population, 
and  the  associate  membership  is  limited  to  not  more  than 
one  year.  At  the  end  of  that  time  associates  must  become 
active  members  or  cease  connection  with  the  Association."  ^ 
Associate  members  may  not  vote  on  any  measure  presented 
to  the  convention  of  the  Association,  nor  receive  the  serv- 
ices of  the  Special  Standing  Committee  of  the  Association, 
with  the  exception  of  the  labor  bulletins.  Otherwise,  they 
receive  all  the  other  services  and  bulletins  of  the  organi- 
zation.2 

The  Special  Standing  Committee  of  the  Association 
deals  with  labor  problems,  and  it  is  with  it  that  our  study 
of  the  Association  will  be  largely  concerned,  as  we  are  con- 
sidering only  the  activities  of  the  Association  that  relate  to 
the  labor  problem.  A  booklet  of  the  Association  thus  de- 
scribes this  Committee : 

"  A  Special  Standing  Committee,  of  which  Mr.  H.  N.  Kel- 
logg is  chairman,  with  offices  in  the  State  Life  Building  [now  in 
the  Occidental  Building],  Indianapolis,  has  for  many  years 
maintained  amicable  relations  between  the  members  of  this  Asso- 
ciation and  the  various  labor  unions  through  arbitration  agree- 
ments which  preclude  the  possibility  of  strikes,  and  have  proven 
to  be  a  great  factor  in  the  maintenance  of  industrial  peace  in 
newspaper  offices.  All  active  members  are  entitled  to  the  pro- 
tection these  contracts  afford  provided  they  make  individual 
arbitration  agreements  with  the  unions,  application  for  which 
must  be  made  to  the  chairman  of  the  Special  Standing  Com- 
mittee. A  list  of  men  desiring  employment  is  kept  in  the 
Indianapolis  office  and  the  chairman  endeavors  to  supply  com- 
petent help  to  members  when  they  need  it.  He  also  keeps  on 
file  the  contracts  and  scales  of  the  labor  unions  in  various  cities 
and  will  furnish  copies  of  these  scales  when  desired  to  mem- 
bers who  wish  them;  they  are  often  found  very  useful  to 
members  who  are  considering  new  propositions.     The  chair- 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association       209 

man  is  always  ready  and  willing  to  answer  questions  on  all 
phases  of  the  labor  situation,  and  to  take  up  matters  at  issue 
with  the  International  Presidents  of  the  several  labor  organi- 
zations. In  this  way  many  serious  disagreements  are  avoided 
and  settlements  reached  without  the  danger  of  strikes  or  the 
necessity  of  going  through  arbitration  proceedings."  ^ 

International  Arbitration  Agreements. —  The  system 
by  which  the  Association  deals  with  the  unions  consists, 
briefly,  of  International  Arbitration  Agreements  between 
the  Association  and  the  international  unions,  which  include 
Codes  of  Procedure  agreed  upon  by  these  bodies,  and  In- 
dividual Arbitration  Contracts  to  be  signed  by  the  proprie- 
tor of  the  newspaper  and  the  local  unions.  The  system  is 
the  same  with  each  and  every  union  with  which  the  Asso- 
ciation deals,  as  for  example,  the  International  Typographi- 
cal Union. ^  The  contracts,  agreements,  etc.,  between  this 
Union  and  the  Association  will  be  used  to  illustrate  the  sys- 
tem, as  we  shall  set  it  forth.  The  Individual  Arbitration 
Contract  binds  the  two  parties  to  it  to  the  terms  of  the 
International  Arbitration  Agreement  and  the  Code  of  Pro- 
cedure, and  is  underwritten  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Special 
Standing  Committee  of  the  Association  and  the  President 
of  the  International  Union  involved.  This  contract  pro- 
hibits strikes,  boycotts  and  lockouts,  guarantees  continuous 
service,  and  provides  that  any  differences  arising  between 
the  union  and  proprietor,  which  cannot  be  adjusted  by  con- 
ciliation, must  be  submitted  to  arbitration  under  the  Code 
of  Procedure.  Under  this  Code  the  order  of  procedure  is, 
first,  a  resort  to  conference  and  conciliation,  second,  to  local 
arbitration  upon  the  arbitrable  questions  at  issue,  and  in 
case  these  measures  fail,  finally,  an  appeal  to  the  Interna- 
tional Arbitration  Board,  as  follows : 

"  LOCAL   ARBITRATION 

"  The  two  parties  in  interest  must  have  a  conference  as  soon 
as  possible  and  not  later  than  thirty-five  (35)  days  after  an 


210  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

issue  is  raised,  at  which  conference  (or  continuations  thereof) 
every  effort  to  agree  shall  be  made.  The  party  upon  whom 
the  original  demand  is  made  should,  if  it  contemplates  pre- 
senting a  counter  proposition,  formulate  it  in  full  and  in 
detail  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  receipt  of  the  demand  of 
the  proponent  party,  the  said  counter  proposition  to  be  pre- 
sented to  the  party  making  the  original  demand  with  as  little 
delay  as  possible,  and  in  any  event  within  the  same  period  of 
thirty-five  (35)  days.  The  propositions  of  both  sides  should 
be  considered,  discussed  and  earnest  effort  made  to  arrive  at 
an  agreement  by  conciliation.  If  no  agreement  is  reached 
within  sixty  (60)  days,  after  an  issue  is  raised,  upon  the  de- 
mand of  either  party  the  statements  required  by  Section  5  of 
this  Code  shall  be  prepared  and  forwarded  within  five  (5) 
days.  If  arbitration  is  decided  upon,  arbitration  to  be  con- 
ducted on  the  sections  of  the  propositions  originally  submitted 
which  are  approved  for  arbitration  as  provided  in  section  5 
[the  following  paragraph]  of  this  code. 

"  Upon  failure  to  agree,  each  party  shall  prepare  its  state- 
ment, embracing  the  conditions  that  it  seeks  to  establish. 
Each  statement  must  be  complete  in  itself,  and  copies  thereof 
shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Special  Standing 
Committee  of  the  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association 
and  the  President  of  the  International  Typographical  Union, 
accompanied  by  a  letter  of  transmittal,  to  be  signed  jointly  by 
the  parties  in  interest,  certifying  that  they  are  acquainted  with 
the  contents  of  both  statements.  The  Chairman  and  President 
shall  thereupon  determine  the  questions  or  subjects  which  can 
be  properly  submitted  to  arbitration,  and  shall  promptly  notify 
by  joint  letters -the  interested  parties  of  their  decision.  In  case 
the  two  officials  can  not  agree,  their  differences  shall  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  International  Board  of  Arbitration. 

"  After  the  questions  to  be  arbitrated  have  been  determined, 
a  local  board  of  arbitration  must  be  formed,  composed  of  resi- 
dents of  the  locality  in  which  the  controversy  arises,  two  mem- 
bers thereof  to  be  named  by  each  side.  The  board  as  thus  con- 
stituted shall  select  a  secretary  from  among  its  members.  The 
four  members  of  the  board  shall  then  choose  an  additional 
member,  who  shall  be  a  disinterested  party  and  shall  act  as 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association       2ii 

chairman  of  the  board.  If  the  chairman  of  the  local  board 
shall  not  have  been  selected  within  thirty  (30)  days  after  the 
questions  to  be  arbitrated  have  been  determined,  he  shall  be 
named  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Special  Standing  Committee  of 
the  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association  and  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  International  Typographical  Union,  or  their  proxies, 
upon  the  request  of  either  of  the  interested  parties.  The  two 
officials  named,  or  their  proxies,  may  for  this  purpose  visit  the 
locality  if  they  deem  it  necessary.  Any  expense  thus  incurred 
shall  be  defrayed  equally  by  the  parties  to  the  controversy. 
The  chairman  of  the  local  board  shall  preside,  put  motions, 
etc.,  and  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  on  all  propositions  which  may 
properly  come  before  the  board  in  open  session.  He  shall  de- 
clare a  motion  carried  only  when  at  least  three  of  the  arbitra- 
tors shall  have  voted  affirmatively  thereon.  At  the  conclusion 
of  the  hearing  the  chairman  shall  retire  and  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  board  shall  go  into  executive  session  and  imme- 
diately take  up  a  consideration  of  the  issues  involved.  If  in 
executive  session  a  tie  vote  occurs  on  any  proposition,  or  if 
there  are  any  differences,  questions  or  propositions  which  do 
not  receive  the  votes  of  three  of  the  four  original  members  of 
the  board,  the  chairman  shall  be  called  in  to  cast  the  deciding 
votes  on  all  unsettled  questions  or  propositions. 

"  After  the  local  board  of  arbitration  has  been  organized  it 
shall  proceed  forthwith  to  conduct  its  hearings  under  the  fol- 
lowing rules: 

"  I.  It  may  demand  duplicate  typewritten  statements  of 
grievances. 

"  2.  It  may  examine  all  parties  involved  in  any  differences 
referred  to  it  for  adjudication. 

"  3.  It  shall  employ  such  stenographers,  etc.,  as  may  be  nec- 
essary to  facilitate  business  and  to  provide  a  record  for  use 
in  event  of  an  appeal,  said  record  to  be  properly  paged  and 
indexed. 

"  4.  It  may  require  affidavits  on  all  disputed  points. 

"  5.  It  shall  have  free  access  to  all  books  and  records  bear- 
ing on  points  at  issue. 

"  6.  Equal  opportunity  shall  be  allowed  for  presentation  of 
evidence  and  argument. 


212  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  7.  In  event  of  either  party  to  the  dispute  refusing  to  appear 
or  present  its  case  after  due  notice,  it  may  be  adjudged  in  de- 
fault, and  decision  shall  then  be  rendered  against  such  party. 

"  8.  All  evidence  communicated  to  the  board  in  confidence 
shall  be  preserved  inviolate  and  no  record  of  such  evidence 
shall  be  kept,  except  for  use  on  appeal,  in  which  case  such  in- 
violability shall  be  preserved. 

"  9.  The  party  making  the  original  demand  shall  have  the 
right  to  present  its  case  and  evidence  without  interruption,  ex- 
cepting that  when  oral  evidence  is  introduced  cross-examina- 
tion of  witnesses  shall  be  allowed.  The  opposing  party  shall 
have  the  same  right  in  turn.  The  first  party  shall  then  have 
the  right  to  present  evidence  strictly  in  rebuttal  and  the  oppoS' 
ing  party  shall  be  allowed  to  present  counter  evidence  strictly 
in  surrebuttal.  Oral  arguments  may  be  limited  to  one  speech 
on  each  side  after  all  evidence  has  been  presented.  Said  oral 
arguments  to  be  made  in  the  same  order  as  above  provided  for 
the  presentation  of  evidence.  If  objection  is  made  by  either 
party  to  the  admission  of  any  evidence  offered  by  the  other 
party,  the  board,  by  vote,  shall  decide  as  to  the  admissibility 
of  the  evidence  in  question.  Written  pleadings,  instead  of  oral 
arguments,  shall  be  allowed  when  agreed  upon  by  the  parties 
to  the  controversy,  or  when  ordered  by  the  local  board  of  ar- 
bitration. 

"  10.  In  case  of  the  inability  of  either  side  to  present  evi- 
dence at  the  moment,  the  order  may  be  varied  to  the  extent  of 
allowing  such  evidence  to  be  presented  at  such  session  as  may 
be  agreed  upon  by  the  parties  to  the  controversy,  or  as  may  be 
ordered  by  the  local  board  of  arbitration.  No  evidence  shall 
be  received  or  considered  that  was  not  presented  at  a  regular 
open  session  of  the  board,  except  that  it  shall  be  allowable  for 
the  members  of  the  board,  in  any  case,  to  visit  any  office  in  a 
body  to  see  the  operation  of  labor  therein,  or  for  any  other 
necessary  purpose,  to  aid  in  arriving  at  a  just  decision. 

"  II.  There  shall  be  an  agreement  by  at  least  a  majority  of 
the  members  of  the  board  as  to  the  exact  time  and  place  of 
hearing,  of  which  both  parties  shall  be  notified  in  season.  The 
sessions  shall  be  continuous,  except  for  necessary  intermis- 
sions, until  the  hearing  is  concluded. 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association      213 

"  When  a  hearing  is  corttluded  the  board  shall,  without  un- 
necessary delay,  and  as  set  forth  in  section  6  [the  third  para- 
graph] of  this  code,  go  into  executive  session,  from  which 
all  persons  except  the  four  original  members  of  the  board 
shall  be  excluded,  for  the  determination  of  its  award.  In  its 
deliberation  the  transcript  of  the  stenographic  report  shall  be 
accepted  as  the  best  evidence  of  what  occurred  at  the  hearing, 
unless  it  be  shown  that  gross  errors  exist  in  said  transcript. 
Should  the  four  members  be  unable  to  decide  upon  the  award, 
the  Chairman  shall  be  called  in,  as  provided  in  section  6  of 
this  code.  The  award  of  the  board  must  be  formulated  and 
signed  by  all  of  the  members  thereof  at  a  regular  executive 
session,  after  there  has  been  full  opportunity  for  consideration 
and  discussion,  the  date  and  time  of  such  session  having  pre- 
viously been  determined  at  a  full  meeting  of  the  local  board. 
If  any  member  of  the  local  board  dissents  from  the  award 
and  wishes  to  file  a  dissenting  opinion,  he  shall  give  immediate 
notice  to  that  eflfect,  and  shall  within  forty-eight  (48) 
hours  after  the  award  has  been  decided  upon,  and  before  it 
has  been  promulgated,  formulate  his  reasons  for  dissenting, 
and  such  opinion  -must  be  signed  by  him  before  final  adjourn- 
ment at  a  regular  executive  session,  arranged  for  as  above 
provided.  Such  dissenting  opinion,  when  thus  signed,  must 
be  attached  to  the  award. 

"  The  local  board  shall  not  be  compelled  to  set  forth  its  rea- 
sons for  making  the  award,  but  may  do  so  in  the  written  award 
only.  In  framing  its  award  the  findings  shall  be  expressed 
in  detail,  to  the  end  that  no  misunderstanding  shall  after- 
ward occur.  An  award  of  a  local  board  shall  be  for  at  least 
one  year,  but  a  local  board  may  provide  that  its  award  shall 
be  eflFective  for  .a  longer  period,  not  to  exceed  three  years ; 
provided  there  is  no  local  agreement  as  to  time. 

"  All  expenses  of  a  local  arbitration  board  shall  be  divided 
equally  between  the  union  and  the  other  in<:erested  party  or 
parties. 

"  NATIONAL   ARBITRATION 

"  When  either  party  to  a  local  arbitration  shall  desire  to  ap- 


214         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

peal  to  the  International  Board,  written  notice  to  that  effect 
must  be  given  to  the  other  party  within  five  (5)  days  after 
the  local  decision  has  been  rendered,  and  the  appeal  shall  be 
filed  with  the  International  Board  within  thirty  (30)  days 
after  such  decision.  When  an  appeal  is  under  consideration 
by  the  International  Board  of  Arbitration  it  shall  not  take 
evidence,  but  both  parties  to  the  controversy  may  appear  per- 
sonally or  may  submit  the  records  and  briefs  of  the  local  hear- 
ing and  make  oral  or  written  arguments  in  support  of  their 
several  contentions.  They  may  submit  an  agreed  statement 
of  facts,  or  a  transcript  of  testimony,  properly  certified  to  be- 
fore a  notary  public  by  the  stenographer  taking  the  original 
evidence  or  depositions. 

"  The  International  Board  of  Arbitration  must  act  when  its 
services  are  desired  by  either  party  to  an  appeal  as  above, 
and  shall  proceed  with  all  possible  dispatch  in  rendering  such 
services. 

"  So  far  as  applicable,  the  rules  of  procedure  governing 
local  arbitration  boards  shall  govern  the  International  Board 
of  Arbitration. 

"  Should  either  party  to  a  local  or  international  arbitration 
desire  to  make  an  allegation  against  the  other  as  provided 
in  Section  12  of  the  International  Arbitration  Agreement  [in 
third  paragraph  in  next  quotation  below],  the  complaint  shall 
be  prepared  in  writing  and  in  quadruplicate.  A  copy  thereof 
shall  be  delivered  by  registered  mail  to  the  Chairman  of  the 
Special  Standing  Committee  of  the  American  Newspaper  Pub- 
lishers' Association,  to  the  President  of  the  International  Typo- 
graphical Union,  and  to  the  party  against  whom  the  complaint 
is  made. 

"  All  awards  of  the  International  Board  of  Arbitration,  ex- 
cepting those  made  under  Section  5  of  the  International  Arbitra- 
tion Agreement  [which  related  to  the  interpretation  of  the 
Agreement  or  contract],  shall  be  for  at  least  one  year,  but 
the  International  Board  of  Arbitration  may  provide  that  its 
awards  shall  be  eflPective  for  a  longer  period,  not  to  exceed 
three  years ;  provided  there  is  no  local  agreement  as  to  time. 

"  All  expenses  attendant  upon  the  settlement  of  any  case 
before  the  International  Board  of  Arbitration  shall  be  adjusted 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association       215 

in  each  case  in  accordance  with  the  direction  of  the  Interna- 
tional Board  of  Arbitration."  ^ 

Such  are  the  main  provisions  in  the  Code  of  Procedure  in 
the  Agreement  between  the  Association  and  the  International 
Typographical  Union.  The  agreements  with  the  other  inter- 
national unions  contain  a  few  minor  provisions  that  differ, 
but  in  the  main  the  Code  is  the  same.  In  the  case  of  the 
International  Photo  Engravers'  Union,  there  is  a  provision 
in  the  agreement  that  either  party  to  a  dispute,  if  an  agree- 
ment has  not  been  reached  locally  by  conciliation  in  thirty 
(30)  days,  may  demand  local  arbitration,  unless  the  Chair- 
man of  the  Special  Standing  Committee  of  the  Association 
and  the  President  of  the  International  Union  extend  that 
time.  The  Agreement  with  the  International  Stereotypers' 
Union  is  identical  in  form  to  the  above  Agreement  with  the 
International  Typographical  Union,  which  expires  on  April 
30,  1922.* 

The  International  Board  of  Arbitration. —  Further- 
more, the  International  Arbitration  Agreement  with  the  In- 
ternational Typographical  Union  —  which  is  practically  the 
same  as  with  the  other  unions  —  provides  that, 

"  The  International  Board  of  Arbitration  shall  consist  of 
three  members  of  the  Executive  Council  of  the  International 
Typographical  Union  and  the  three  members  of  the  Special 
Standing  Committee  of  the  American  Newspaper  Publishers' 
Association,  or  their  proxies.  This  board  shall  meet  at  such 
time  and  place  as  may  be  determined  by  it.  Due  notice  of 
time  and  place  of  meeting  of  the  International  Board  shall  be 
given  all  interested  parties.  If  the  board  as  thus  constituted 
is  unable,  after  considering  a  case  at  two  meetings,  to  reach 
a  decision,  the  membership  of  the  board  may  be  increased, 
by  unanimous  vote,  by  the  addition  of  a  seventh  and  disin- 

*The  1921  Convention  of  the  A.  N.  P.  A.  authorized  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  committee  to  negotiate  with  the  four  printing-trades  unions 
new  arbitration  agreements  to  take  the  place  of  those  expiring  April 
30,  1922.     [Associated  Press  reports.] 


2i6  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

terested  member,  who  shall  act  only  on  the  matters  that  made 
his  selection  necessary,  and  who  shall  have  the  same  standing 
as  the  other  members,  and  shall  act  with  them  at  the  earUest 
possible  date  after  his  appointment, 

"  The  award  of  the  International  Board  of  Arbitration  in 
all  cases  shall  include  a  determination  of  all  the  issues  in- 
volved; it  shall  cover  the  full  period  between  the  raising  of 
the  issues  and  their  final  settlement;  any  change  in  the  wage 
scale  may  be  made  effective  from  the  date  the  issue  first  arose 
at  the  discretion  of  the  board.  An  award  by  a  majority  of 
the  International  Board  shall  be  final,  and  shall  be  accepted 
as  such  by  the  parties  to  the  dispute. 

"  At  the  request  of  either  party  to  an  arbitration  the  In- 
ternational Board  shall  determine  whether  evasion,  collusion 
or  fraud  has  characterized  either  the  local  or  international 
proceedings,  or  whether  either  party  has  failed  to  comply  with, 
or  refuses  to  fulfill  its  obligations  under  a  decision,  or  has 
omitted  to  perform  any  duty  prescribed  therein,  or  has  se- 
cured any  unfair  or  fraudulent  advantage,  or  has  evaded 
any  provision  of  this  Agreement  or  any  rule  of  the  Code  of 
Procedure,  or  is  not  acting  in  good  faith.  At  the  conclusion 
of  such  inquiry  it  shall  be  wholly  within  the  power  of  the 
International  Board  to  reject  all  that  has  been  previously 
done  and  order  a  rehearing  before  the  International  Board, 
or  before  a  new  local  board ;  or  it  may  find  against  the  offend- 
ing party  or  annul  the  individual  arbitration  contract.  In  the 
event  of  either  party  to  a  dispute  refusing  to  accept  and  com- 
ply with  a  decision  of  a  local  board  which  is  not  appealed,  or 
with  a  decision  of  the  International  Board,  or  with  any  of 
the  provisions  of  this  International  Arbitration  Agreement,  as 
determined  by  a  decision  of  the  International  Board,  all  aid 
and  support  to  the  employer  or  the  local  union  refusing  ac- 
ceptance and  compliance  shall  be  withdrawn  by  both  parties 
to  this  Agreement.  The  acts  of  such  recalcitrant  employer  or 
union  shall  be  publicly  disavowed  and  the  aggrieved  party 
shall  be  furnished  by  the  other  with  an  official  document  to 
that  effect."  *» 

"  Subject  to  the  conditions  hereinbefore  prescribed  every 
member  of  the  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association       217 

holding  an  Individual  Arbitration  Contract  shall  have  the  fol- 
lowing guaranties: 

"  (a)  He  shall  be  protected  against  walk-outs,  strikes  or 
boycotts  by  the  members  of  the  union  or  unions  with  which 
he  has  contractual  relation  under  this  Agreement  and  against 
any  other  form  of  concerted  interference  by  them  with  the 
usual  and  regular  operation  of  any  of  his  departments  of  labor. 

"(b)  In  the  event  of  a  difference  arising  between  a  pub- 
lisher having  an  Individual  Arbitration  Contract  and  any  local 
union  a  party  thereto,  all  work  shall  continue  without  inter- 
ruption pending  proceedings  looking  to  conciliation  or  arbitra- 
tion, either  local  or  international,  and  the  wages,  hours  or 
working  conditions  prevailing  at  the  time  the  difference  arises 
shall  be  preserved  unchanged  until  a  final  decision  of  the 
matter  at  issue  shall  be  reached. 

"(c)  All  differences  which  can  not  be  settled  by  concilia- 
tion shall  be  referred  to  arbitration  in  the  manner  stipulated 
in  this  Agreement."  ^ 

Evolution. —  Although  the  Association  was  organized  in 
February,  1887,  not  until  February,  1899,  was  this  scheme 
of  agreements  and  arbitration  procedure  brought  before  the 
Association  in  convention  assembled.  At  that  time,  Mr.  A. 
A.  McCormick,  then  a  prominent  newspaper  manager,  sub- 
mitted the  idea  to  the  Association.  A  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  consider  the  matter,  but  after  consideration,  it 
referred  the  matter  to  the  Board  of  Directors,  which  dis- 
cussed the  scheme,  and  then  appointed  a  committee  of  seven 
to  pass  upon  the  conclusions  reached  by  the  previous  bodies 
and  report  to  the  convention  to  be  held  in  1900.  This  com- 
m.ittee  reported  in  favor  of  the  scheme  and  recommended 
that  a  standing  committee  be  appointed  to  deal  with  labor 
matters.  This  committee  was  named,  and  it  in  turn  selected 
a  Labor  Commissioner.  However,  the  idea  did  not  appeal 
strongly  to  the  majority  of  the  members  of  the  Association, 
since  they  feared  that  the  unions  would  not  live  up  to  the 
contracts  involved.     Discussion  of  the  scheme  caused  a  num- 


2i8  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ber  of  the  members  to  believe  that  it  might  work,  and  the 
Association  passed  a  resolution  to  the  effect  that  an  effort 
should  be  made  to  come  to  an  agreement  with  the  unions, 
but  that  it  would  be  optional  with  the  individual  members  of 
the  Association  to  accept  or  reject  for  themselves  whatever 
contract  might  be  made.  Nor  did  the  unions  accept  the 
plan  witlj  much  enthusiasm  at  first,  although  they  showed  a 
willingness  to  give  the  project  a  trial.  The  plan  was  put 
to  a  test  almost  immediately  after  its  initiation,  and  worked 
fairly  satisfactorily  during  the  first  year  of  its  trial.  The 
first  contract  was  for  a  year  only,  but  at  its  expiration,  the 
agreement  was  renewed  for  a  longer  period  of  time  and 
more  of  the  newspaper  proprietors  were  enlisted,  although 
a  large  number  still  had  strong  objections  to  the  plan.  The 
Association  would  not  then  accept  the  scheme  for  the  whole 
body,  and  so  the  plan  had  to  be  carried  on  by  a  portion 
of  the  members.  For  instance,  the  funds  for  the  Special 
Standing  Committee  were  raised  by  voluntary  subscriptions 
among  the  proprietors  enlisted.^  At  present,  the  proprietor 
comes  under  the  plan  only  by  signing  the  Individual  Arbi- 
tration Agreement  with  the  local  union  or  unions. 

During  the  period  of  the  first  five-year  agreement,  from 
1902  to  1907,  a  great  deal  of  difficulty  was  encountered  in 
securing  local  boards  of  arbitration  satisfactory  to  both 
parties  to  disputes,  and  on  several  occasions  the  breaking 
point  was  nearly  reached.  Local  unions  in  a  number  of  in- 
stances declined  to  comply  with  the  arbitration  decisions,  but 
were  forced  by  the  international  officers  of  the  union  to 
conform.  In  one  case  discipline  was  carried  as  far  as  the 
cancellation  of  the  charter  of  the  local. '^  Issues  in  Spokane 
and  Seattle  involved  the  international  officers  of  the  unions, 
and  President  Lynch  was  charged  with  gross  violation  of  the 
arbitration  contract.  So  serious  was  the  situation  that  the 
Association  was  said  to  have  been  considering  the  raising  of 
a  defense  fund  to  co-operate  with  the  United  Typothetae  of 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association       219 

America  in  a  fight  against  the  unions.^  This  was  the  pe- 
riod when  the  Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of  America 
was  most  active  in  trying  to  cause  all  the  employers'  asso- 
ciations in  the  United  States  to  become  belligerent.  But,  in 
spite  of  this,  the  A.  N.  P.  A.  remained  negotiatory,  and  at 
the  expiration  of  the  agreement,  renewed  it  for  another  five 
years.  The  new  agreement  provided  for  a  Code  of  Pro- 
cedure, a  local  board  of  four  men  —  two  chosen  by  each 
side  —  in  every  locality,  and  a  national  board  of  six  men  — 
the  three  members  of  the  Special  Standing  Committee  of  the 
Association  and  three  from  the  executive  council  of  the  in- 
ternational union.  Arbitration  by  the  local  boards  was 
largely  a  failure  as  practically  every  case  was  appealed  to  the 
International  Board  for  final  decision.  In  191 1,  this  defect 
was  eliminated  by  an  amendment  providing  for  a  local  board 
of  five  men.  The  International  Board  still  had  difficulty 
in  reaching  decisions  until,  in  19 12,  the  new  agreement  pro- 
vided for  the  addition  of  a  seventh  man  if  the  original  six 
members  could  not  reach  a  decision  in  two  successive 
meetings.® 

The  publishers  are  not  wholly  satisfied  with  the  present 
agreement.  They  dislike  very  much  the  provision  that  ex- 
empts the  so-called  laws  of  the  unions  from  arbitration,  a 
situation  which  gives  those  laws  a  standing  they  would  not 
otherwise  have.^*^  The  present  provision  states  that  "  the 
laws  of  the  International  Typographical  Union  in  effect  Jan- 
uary, 1916,  shall  not  be  subject  to  the  provisions  of  the  ar- 
bitration agreement."  ^  That  some  of  these  laws  are  open 
to  criticism  from  the  standpoint  of  the  employer  is  shown 
by  the  attack  of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers 
upon,  for  instance,  the  rule  of  the  International  Typograph- 
ical Union  in  regard  to  the  use  of  matrices  of  local  matter 
by  a  group  of  newspapers.  The  rule  requires  each  news- 
paper to  set  up  the  type  for  all  local  matter  used  in  the 
newspaper,  although  much  of  the  matter,  especially  adver- 


220  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

tisements,  is  printed  from  matrices  supplied  by  one  of  the 
newspapers  which  had  the  type  set  and  the  matrices  made. 
Thus,  in  a  great  number  of  shops  of  the  newspapers  of  the 
country,  a  number  of  employees  are  doing  useless  and  un- 
profitable work  for  the  employer,  in  setting  up  and  distribut- 
ing matter  that  is  never  used."  Other  objections  made  are 
that  the  unions  require  the  foreman  to  be  a  union  man,  that 
the  rule  of  priority  prevents  the  rapid  promotion  of  the  most 
efficient  workmen,  and  that  the  employer  has  not  the  free 
right  to  discharge  workmen. ^^  In  addition  there  have  been 
strikes,  for  example,  of  the  pressmen  and  stereotypers  on  the 
Chicago  newspapers  in  1912,  and  a  strike  in  New  Orleans 
in  1915,  in  which  the  Open  Shop  Division  of  the  U.  T.  A. 
became  involved.^^  A  number  of  the  publishers  have  not 
yet  accepted  the  Arbitration  Agreements  between  the  Asso- 
ciation and  the  unions.^* 

As  to  the  local  agreements,  the  Special  Standing  Com- 
mittee does  not  attempt  to  fix  the  terms,  and  so  these  are 
variable. 

Mr.  Kellogg,  Chairman  of  the  Special  Standing  Com- 
mittee, thus  states  how  the  arrangement  works : 

"  We  have  always  encouraged  and,  in  fact,  urged  settlements 
by  conciliation.  The  first  steps  under  our  arbitration  contracts 
provide  for  meetings  for  conciliation.  All  efforts  that  can  pos- 
sibly be  made  to  reach  an  agreement  without  arbitration  are 
supposed  to  be  made  and  usually  are  made,  because,  as  a  gen- 
eral thing,  neither  side  wishes  to  go  into  arbitration.  Our 
arbitration  proceedings  are  conducted  without  any  legal  for- 
mality; in  fact,  we  have  barred  lawyers  from  participation  in 
these  proceedings.  The  lawyer's  profession  necessarily  results 
in  his  desiring  to  create  contention.  The  arbitration  contracts 
are  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  harmony.  An  arbitration  was 
held  in  San  Francisco  in  which  attorneys  took  part  on  both 
sides.  The  local  board  disagreed,  the  case  was  referred  to 
the  National  Board  and  it  met  at  Indianapolis.  The  attorneys 
came  on  from  San  Francisco  to  present  the  cases  of  their  clients. 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association      221 

and  the  National  Board  after  consideration,  refused  to  hear  the 
gentlemen,  sent  them  back  to  San  Francisco  and  ordered  a  re- 
hearing of  the  case  without  attorneys."  ^^ 

Present  Agreements  Not  Wholly  Satisfactory. —  The 

agreements  between  the  Association  and  the  unions,  the 
Association  believes,  are  far  from  ideal,  but  the  situation 
in  the  newspaper  business  is  such  that  the  public  demand  for 
promptness  and  regularity  of  the  issue  of  the  newspaper, 
gives  the  unions  the  strategic  position.  So  the  employers 
have  struggled  along  in  an  efifort  to  get  as  nearly  satisfac- 
tory a  contract  as  possible.  ^^  The  proprietors  have  felt 
that  it  is  better  to  deal  with  the  unions  by  conceding  the 
closed  shop  than  to  attempt  to  meet  sudden  demands  and 
strikes.  Although  the  closed-shop  provision  of  the  con- 
tract is  unenforceable  at  law,  the  proprietors  live  up  to  it,^^ 
and  the  unions  would  hardly  resort  to  law  to  enforce  that  or 
any  other  clause  of  an  agreement.  The  proprietors  who  do 
not  live  up  to  the  contract  are  usually  disciplined  by  the 
union.  ^*  In  case  the  local  union  fails  to  abide  by  a  contract 
or  an  arbitration  decision,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  international 
officers  to  force  compliance.  They  may  furnish  men  to 
break  the  strike,  deprive  the  men  of  their  union  cards,  or 
revoke  the  charter  of  the  union,  or  do  all  three.^'^ 

Field  Service. — At  the  192 1  convention  of  the  A.  N.  P. 
A.  it  was  decided  to  increase  the  funds  of  the  Special 
Standing  Committee.  The  Committee  was  authorized  to 
employ  a  field  man  to  go  to  localities  needing  him  to  assist 
the  publishers  in  negotiations  and  arbitration.  Newspapers 
who  utilize  his  services  are  required  to  pay  his  expenses 
from  the  time  of  his  leaving  Indianapolis  until  his  return, 
and  to  pay  in  addition  a  fee  based  on  the  circulation  of  the 
largest  newspaper  in  the  city  involved.  The  field  man, 
when  in  Indianapolis,  assists  the  Chairman  of  the.  Special 
Standing  Committee.^' 

Other  Labor  Activities. —  In  recent  years,  the  A.  N.  P. 
A.  has  adopted  a  number  of  resolutions  relating  to  labor 


222  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

matters.  In  1920  and  again  in  1921,  it  expressed  its  opposi- 
tion to  the  demand  of  the  unions  in  the  printing  trades  for 
the  forty- four-hour  week.^^  In  192 1,  it  endorsed  the  efforts 
of  its  members  who  were  endeavoring  to  maintain  the  forty- 
eight-hour  week  and  pledged  them  its  co-operation  and  sup- 
port.^^  In  1920  and  192 1,  it  adopted  a  resolution  condemn- 
ing the  clauses  in  trade  agreements  that  provided  that  labor 
unions  might  fix  the  price  below  which  the  manufacturer 
might  not  sell  the  articles  he  produced.^^ 

The  A.  N.  P.  A,  at  its  1920  convention,  according  to  a 
Prospectus  of  the  Greorgia-Alabama  Business  College, 
Typesetting  Department,  "  unanimously  decided  to  subscribe 
enough  money  to  buy  100  machines  and  all  necessary  equip- 
ment for  the  school,  to  authorize  the  construction  of  suitable 
buildings  and  provide  a  maintenance  fund  of  $50,000  a  year, 
uniting  with  the  Southern  Newspaper  Publishers  in  the 
effort  to  make  the  school  in  every  way  representative  of  the 
dignity  and  importance  of  the  publishing  business  in 
America." 

Such  is  the  general  character  of  the  activities  of  the  As- 
sociation in  the  labor  field,  although  its  stated  objects  and 
purposes  do  not  specifically  provide  for  labor  matters.  Let 
us  now  turn  our  attention  to  the  organic  structure  of  the  As- 
sociation in  order  better  to  understand  how  it  functions. 

The  Association  and  Its  Government. —  The  American 
Newspaper  Publishers'  Association  was  organized  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1887,  incorporated  as  a  business  corporation  in  1897, 
and  reincorporated  as  a  membership  corporation  in  New 
York  in  1913.  It  is  governed  by  a  board  of  twelve  directors, 
composed  of  newspaper  publishers  elected  by  the  members  at 
the  annual  meetings,  four  of  whom  are  the  President,  the 
Vice-President,  the  Secretary,  and  the  Treasurer,  chosen  for 
one  year,  and  eight  others  with  terms  of  two  years  each.^^ 

The  Board  of  Directors  has  power  to  elect  a  manager  (who 
performs  such  duties  as  it  designates),  to  remove  officers  of 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association       223 

the  Association  for  cause,  to  employ  and  discharge  agents, 
to  fix  the  compensation  of  its  officers  and  agents,  to  suspend 
or  expel  members,  to  make  contracts  and  to  expend  funds  of 
the  Association  as  authorized,  to  make  such  rules  and  regu- 
lations as  it  deems  necessary  for  the  conduct  of  the  business 
and  affairs  of  the  Association,  and  in  general,  to  do  all  that 
it  regards  as  essential  to  the  best  interests  of  the  Associa- 
tion so  long  as  such  acts  are  not  contrary  to  the  organiza- 
tion's fundamental  laws.  The  Board  has  the  power  to  dele- 
gate, from  time  to  time,  any  of  its  powers  that  may  under  the 
laws  of  the  Association  be  delegated,  to  any  committee,  of- 
ficer or  agent,  to  act  for  and  in  place  of  the  Board,  when 
it  is  not  in  session,  or  for  special  purposes.  The  powers  so 
delegated  must  be  designated  in  the  resolution  of  appoint- 
ment.^* Beside  the  Special  Standing  Committee,  the  Asso- 
ciation has  other  committees  from  time  to  time.  "  Its  work 
is  largely  done  through  committees  and  as  exigencies  arise 
new  committees  are  appointed  to  labor  for  the  common  in- 
terest. Through  these  committees  the  constitutionality  of 
various  laws  inimical  to  the  interests  of  newspapers  has  been 
tested,  news-print  committees  have  been  active  for  years, 
amicable  relations  have  been  maintained  with  the  labor 
unions,  favorable  copyright  legislation  has  been  enacted, 
and  much  work  has  been  done  along  practically  every  line 
tending  toward  the  welfare  of  newspapers  generally."  ^^ 

Dues. —  The  Association  raises  its  funds  by  means  of  ini- 
tiation fees,  dues  and  assessments.  For  active  members  the 
initiation  fee  is  $75,  and  for  associate  members,  $30.  "  The 
active  members  pay  annually  dues  of  $75  and  $1.00  per 
month  for  each  type-setting  or  type-casting  machine  or 
other  mechanical  compositors  owned  or  operated,  or  the 
product  of  which  is  used  by  the  member  publisher,  and  the 
associates  pay  $30  per  year.  One-third  of  the  dues  of  ac- 
tive and  associate  members  is  to  be  paid  every  four 
months."  ^®     Assessments  may  be  authorized  by  the  vote  of 


224  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  active  members.  In  addition  to  providing  funds  to 
meet  the  balance  of  expenses  not  covered  by  initiation  fees 
and  annual  dues,  such  assessments  may  be  used  to  form  an 
emergency  fund.  Additional  charges  for  special  services 
may  be  fixed  by  the  Board  to  be  paid  by  the  member  re- 
ceiving such  service.^^ 

Bulletins  are  issued  both  by  the  general  office  aJid  by  the 
Chairman  of  the  Special  Standing  Committee.^^  The  in- 
formation contained  therein  is  for  the  sole  use  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Association.  The  Chairman,  Mr.  Kellogg, 
writes  thus  of  the  work  of  the  Special  Standing  Committee: 
"  A  considerable  portion  of  our  work  here,  and  the  bulle- 
tins which  are  issued  weekly,  are  confidential."  ^* 

Interrelations. —  The  American  Newspaper  Publishers' 
Association  and  the  National  Civic  Federation  have  friendly 
relations,  but  the  former  and  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers  have  different  viewpoints  on  industrial  re- 
lations. The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association 
and  the  National  Civic  Federation  believe  that  the  way  to 
secure  industrial  peace  is  through  the  trade  agreement,^*^  but 
from  this  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers 
strongly  dissents,  for  it  publishes  and  distributes  a  pamphlet, 
"  Throttling  the  Nation's  Press,"  which  is  designed  to  arouse 
public  sentiment  against  all  the  unions  in  the  printing  indus- 
try and  mainly  against  the  typographical  union.^^  The 
United  Typothetae  of  America,  also  has  tried,  for  instance, 
in  1904,  to  make  the  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  As- 
sociation become  a  belligerent  organization.^^  The  situa- 
tion here  has  been  similar  to  that  which  exists  in  the  case  of 
the  Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association  and  the 
National  Founders'  Association,  although  the  United  Ty- 
pothetae of  America  lacks  much  of  the  belligerency  of  the 
National  Founders'  Association. 

The  Association  is  related  to  other  associations,  especially 
local  ones  through  officers  and  members.     For  instance,  the 


The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association       225 

members  of  this  Association  in  Chicago  have  a  local  news- 
paper-publishers' association,  as  is  generally  the  case  in  the 
larger  cities.  Again,  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors 
is  connected  with  the  Los  Angeles  Times,  which  is  noted 
for  its  belligerency  toward  unionism. ^^  So  it  is  apparent 
that  the  interrelations  of  the  Association  are  rather  diverse, 
although  not  so  numerous  as  those  of  belligerent  asso- 
ciations. 

REFERENCES 

1  0(29) '20  Letter  from  the  Association;  see  also  Proceedings  of  the 
Twelfth  Annual  Meeting,  National  Civic  Federation,  1912,  p.  43,  (Abv, 
'12  N  C  F)  ;  Ap(i4)'i5  Letter.  2  By-Laws,  American  Newspaper 
Publishers'  Association,  2,  (Abv.  By-Laws).  ^  American  Newspaper 
Publishers'  Association,  Its  Work  and  Purposes,  5-6,  (Abv.  Its  Work). 
•*  Agreements  themselves.  ^  International  Arbitration  Agreement  be- 
tween the  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association  and  the  Inter- 
national Typographical  Union;  see  also  other  Agreements.  «'i2  N  C 
F  45-47.  '^  '12  N  C  F  47.  8  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Conven- 
tion of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America,  1904,  pp.  44-45,  (Abv.  '04 
U  T  A).  o'i2  N  C  F  47-49;  also  Agreements.  1° '12  N  C  F  49-50. 
11  Throttling  a  Nation's  Press ;  The  Whole  Truth  About  the  Closed 
Shop  Press.  12 'j2  N  C  F  50-51.  ^^ '15  U  T  A  203-228;  interviews;  Ap 
(28)  '21  New  York  Times  5.  ^*'i2  N  C  F  49-52;  Synopsis  of  Pro- 
ceedings, Twenty-Second  Annual  Convention,  National  Metal  Trades 
Association,  p.  34;  The  Whole  Truth  About  the  Closed  Shop  Press. 
"  '12  N  C  F  52-53.  16  '12  N  C  F  53-  "  '12  N  C  F  44.  is  '12  N  C  F 
51-52.  19  '12  N  C  F  51.  20  Officers'  Reports,  International  Photo- 
Engravers*  Union  and  Convention  Proceedings,  21st  Annual  Conven- 
tion .  .  .  1920,  pp.  27-28,  (Abv.  '20  I  P  E  U)  ;  Associated  Press 
Reports,  April  27-30,  1921.  21  Associated  Press  Reports.  22-20  I  P  E 
U  50-52 ;  Associated  Press  Reports.  23  ]^^  Work  i ;  By-Laws  7-8. 
2* By-Laws  8-1 1.  25  0(29) '20  Letter;  see  also  Its  Work  1-2.  260(29) 
'20  Le.ter.  27  By-Laws  13-14-  28  By-Laws  15.  29Ap(i4)'i5  Letter. 
»o'i2  N  C  F  53.  3^ '04  U  T  A  44-45.  ^2  its  Work  2;  see  also  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  Second  Annual  Convention  of  the  Citizens'  Industrial 
Association  of  America,  pp.  93-96.    '3  5  (8) '21  Letter. 


CHAPTER  IX 
THE  UNITED  TYPOTHET.E  OF  AMERICA 

Membership. —  The  United  Typothetae  *  of  America  has 
[1921]  a  membership  of  about  5,000  concerns,  that  is  as 
individual  members  and  members  of  afifihated  locals.^ 
Membership  in  this  Association  extends  to  proprietors  in 
the  printing  and  allied  trades,  and  consists  largely  of  local 
organizations  in  which  the  great  majority  are  employing 
printers,  and  of  individual  proprietors,  firms  and  corpora- 
tions where  no  such  local  exists.  Active  membership  in 
a  local  affiliated  organization  carries  with  it  membership 
in  the  Association  itself.  No  officer  of  a  labor  organization 
may  be  a  member  of  this  Association.^ 

This  Association,  like  the  American  Newspaper  Publish- 
ers' Association  has  activities  in  other  fields  than  that  of 
labor  matters,  in  fact,  in  recent  years,  it  has  expanded 
greatly  in  the  commercial  field  to  the  neglect  of  labor  mat- 
ters. The  direct  and  immediate  labor  activities  of  the 
Association  are  now  largely  performed  by  an  Open  Shop 
Division  and  a  Closed  Shop  Division  of  the  main  organiza- 

*  "  The  word  '  typothetae '  signifies  type-placers,  and  is  from  the  Greek. 
Its  correct  pronunciation  is  a  mooted  question.  Most  of  the  members 
of  the  societies  now  existing  pronounce  it  ty-poth-e-te,  the  emphasis 
being  on  the  second  syllable,  but  some  Greek  scholars  claim 
[contend]  that  it  should  be  pronounced  ty-po-the-te,  accent  being  on 
the  penultimate  or  next  to  the  last  syllable.  The  word  was  first 
applied  in  the  United  States  to  the  New  York  society,  which  was 
organized  in  March,  1865  [?  or  1862?]"  [S  '14  Bui  U  T  A  9-10] 
"  This  name,  it  is  said,  was  formerly  applied  by  the  Emperor 
Frederick  Third  of  Germany  to  the  printers  of  that  country,"  in 
1470.     ['II  U  T  A  95.] 

226 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  227 

tion.  These  Divisions  were,  at  the  time  of  their  creation, 
supposed  to  be  generally  independent  of  the  main  body  in 
strictly  labor  matters ;  later  they  were  placed  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  main  governing  bodies  of  the  Association; 
but  in  1920  they  were  given  "complete  autonomy."  There 
are,  however,  a  number  of  activities  that  relate  directly  to 
the  labor  problem  that  are  still  carried  on  by  the  main 
organization,  especially  by  the  Department  of  Industrial 
Relations.  This  Department  is  a  more  recent  development 
than  the  Divisions,  and  its  growth  seems  to  indicate  that 
the  Association  proper  cannot  entirely  divorce  itself  from 
labor  matters.  The  establishment  of  the  two  Divisions 
with  conflicting  policies  has,  as  one  might  expect,  made  the 
United  Typothetae  of  America  "a  house  divided  against 
itself,"  in  labor  matters.  Association  officials  contend  that 
the  organization  is  not  an  employers'  association :  "  The 
United  Typothetce  of  America  as  it  exists  today  is  essentially 
an  educational  institution  devoted  to  the  advancement  of 
the  printing  industry  along  business  lines,"  says  a  letter  of 
criticism  from  these  officials.  "  It  has  nothing  to  do  with 
the  carrying  out  of  labor  policies.*     That  is  left  to  subsidiary 

♦  This  letter  says  further  on  this  point  that,  "  The  main  organization 
was  not  carrjing  on  any  activities,  [presumably  during  the  year  1920] 
which  relate  to  the  labor  problem  that  we  know  of,  except  through 
the  Industrial  Relations  Department — which  was  established  to  collect 
and  disseminate  reliable  statistics  and  data  on  industrial  relations 
subjects  —  even  before  the  change  in  the  constitution  at  St.  Louis, 
[which  gave  the  Divisions  "complete  autonomy"]  unless  one 
considers  the  resolutions  on  the  44-hour  week  passed  by  the  U.  T.  A. 
as  a  whole,  as  labor  activities.  These  resolutions  were,  as  a  matter 
of  fact,  passed  to  counteract  union  propaganda  to  the  effect  that  the 
United  Typothetae  as  a  whole,  instead  of  the  Closed  Shop  Division, 
was  taking  a  stand  on  a  labor  proposition."  Of  course,  the  activ- 
ities of  the  Department  of  Industrial  Relations  alone  are  sufficient  to 
justify  the  classification  of  the  organization  as  an  employers'  associa- 
tion, to  say  nothing  of  the  Open  Shop  and  Closed  Shop  Divisions 
with  their  "  complete  autonomy,"  and  the  adoption  of  a  resolution  of 
opposition  to  a  44-hour  week,  and  another  resolution  recommending 
strike  insurance  to  U.  T.  A.  members! 


228  iimployers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

organizations,  each  with  complete  autonomy,  known  as  the 
Open  Shop  and  the  Closed  Shop  Division."^  The  fact  is, 
the  Association  has  varied  in  its  labor  functions,  so  much 
so  that  a  discussion  of  them  in  relation  to  the  time  of  their 
performance  and  to  the  non-labor  functions  of  the  organiza- 
tion is  necessary  to  an  insight  into  the  character  of  the 
Association  and  its  place  in  the  conflict.  We  shall,  accord- 
ingly, be  concerned  with  the  non-labor  activities  only  when 
they  help  us  to  understand  the  evolution  of  the  labor  activi- 
ties. 

Structure  and  Government. —  The  main  governmental 
machinery  of  the  United  Typothetse  consists  of  the  regular 
oflicers,  an  Executive  Committee,  an  Executive  Council, 
committees  chosen  for  special  or  various  purposes  as  the  need 
arises,  and  delegates  to  the  annual  or  special  conventions. 
The  regular  officers  are  a  President,  a  First  Vice-President, 
three  other  Vice-Presidents,  and  a  Treasurer.  These  are 
elected  by  the  convention  adopting  the  report  of  a  Nominat- 
ing Committee  —  appointed  by  the  President  —  and  by 
instructing  the  Secretary  to  cast  the  ballot  of  the  convention 
for  the  officers,  so  nominated.  The  Executive  Committee  is 
made  up  of  all  the  regular  officers,  the  Chairmen  of  the 
Divisions,  and  of  20  additional  members  chosen  one  each 
from  the  20  districts  and  elected  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
regular  officers.  The  Executive  Committee  chooses  its  own 
chairman,  and  from  its  members  selects  five  other  persons  to 
serve  with  the  President,  the  First  Vice-President  and  the 
Treasurer  as  the  Executive  Council.  There  is  also  an  Advi- 
sory Board,  which  is  composed  of  past  presidents  of  the 
Association.  The  various  committees  perform  tasks  assigned 
to  them  and  the  convention  acts  on  the  reports  and  sugges- 
tions of  these  committees  and  of  the  regular  officers.  How- 
ever the  greater  amount  of  executive  work  of  the  organiza- 
tion is  performed  by  the  Secretary,  who  is  chosen  by  the 
Executive  Committee.* 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  229 

The  annual  dues  are  based  on  the  annual  "  mechanical " 
payroll.  The  regular  assessment  on  each  individual  mem- 
ber, whether  connected  with  a  local  or  not,  is  quarterly  one- 
half  of  one  per  cent  of  the  average  quarterly  payroll, 
or  a  total  of  two  per  cent  annually.  The  maximum  annual 
dues  for  any  individual  member  shall  not  exceed  $150,  nor 
the  minimum  be  less  than  $18.  Extra  assessments  may  be 
levied  by  a  three-fourths  vote  of  the  Executive  Committee  to 
an  amount  not  to  exceed  the  regular  dues  for  one  month. 
The  initiation  fee  is  $5.'^  It  requires  approximately 
$40,000  a  month  to  operate  the  Association.® 

Objects. —  Of  its  many  objects  today,  those  relating  to 
labor  are : 

"  Sec.  6.  To  maintain  labor  bureaus  for  the  purpose  of  fur- 
nishing members  with  employees  of  whatever  nature  they  may 
require,  and  to  collect  and  tabulate  data  concerning  labor  con- 
ditions throughout  the  country  for  the  information  of  the  mem- 
bership. .  .  . 

"  Sec.  8.  To  create  legislative  committees,  both  local  and  in- 
ternational, for  the  purpose  of  watching,  promoting  and  furth- 
ering the  legitimate  interests  of  the  industry."  '' 

Declaration  of  Policy. —  Although  it  has  been  claimed 
for  some  time  that  "  the  United  Typothetse  of  America  takes 
no  stand  whatever  as  to  the  kind  of  shop,  so  far  as  labor  is 
concerned,  its  members  shall  run,"  *  the  Declaration  of 
Policy  which  was  adopted  in  the  war-like  days  of  1903,  re- 
tained its  "  open-shop "  and  anti-union-label  clauses  until 
the  latter  part  of  1920.®  At  the  time  the  Declaration  was 
promulgated,  September  23,  1903,  it  was  intended  to  be 
"  merely  a  statement  of  the  general  wishes  of  the  employing 
printers  as  associated  in  the  U.  T.  A.,"  and  "  not  legislation 
binding  upon  the  individual  members."  ^°  But  at  the  1904 
convention  a  resolution  was  passed  endorsing  the  Declara- 
tion as  the  policy  of  the  Association."  The  Declaration 
was  amended  in  1908,  and  in  1920,  and  now.  reads  as 
follows : 


230         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"declaration  of  the  policy  of  the  united 
typothet^  of  america 

"The  purpose  of  this  Declaration  of  Policy  is  to  explain  to  its 
members  the  position  of  this  Association  upon  the  several  sub- 
jects treated. 

"I.  This  Association  recognizes  the  right  of  its  members  to 
conduct '  Open  '  or  '  Union  '  or  *  Non-Union  '  offices,  employing 
whomsoever  they  may  deem  fit  in  their  respective  establish- 
ments. 

"II.  This  Association  recognizes  the  right  of  its  members  to 
sell  or  to  purchase  from  whomsoever  they  may  see  fit  without 
prejudice.  It  being  understood  that  the  laws  of  supply  and 
demand,  and  of  credit,  should  govern  transactions  of  buying 
and  selling. 

"III.  This  Association  aims  to  secure  uniform  action  of  its 
members  and  of  the  Local  Typothetae  upon  subjects  of  common 
interest,  and  favors  united  and  uniform  action  to  resist  any 
unwarranted  or  unjustifiable  encroachments  upon  the  rights  of 
its  members, 

"  IV.  This  Association  leaves  to  each  Local  Typothetaa  the 
settlement  of  all  questions  relating  to  its  own  membership,  sub- 
ject to  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  this 
Association. 

"V.  This  Association  is  opposed  to  any  agreement  between 
its  members  and  other  organizations  for  the  control  of  trade  or 
membership. 

"VI.  This  Association  advocates  the  use  of  its  emblem  and 
the  imprints  of  its  individual  members  on  their  product,  where- 
ever  feasible. 

"  VII.  This  Association  urges  that  its  members  acquire  an 
accurate  knowledge  of  the  complete  cost  of  operation  of  every 
department  of  their  plants,  through  the  constant  study  and  use  of 
the  U.  T.  A.  Standard  Cost  Finding  and  Accounting  Systems, 
that  estimates  may  be  made  intelligently  and  with  fairness  to  the 
customer,  and  to  themselves. 

"VIII.  This  Association  urges  the  study  of  its  various 
educational  courses  and  the  hearty  support  of  approved  Techni- 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  231 

cal  Schools  devoted  to  the  training  of  young  men  for  positions 
of  usefulness  and  responsibility  in  the  industry,  that  the  stand- 
ards of  the  printing  business  and  the  proficiency  of  the  workmen 
therein  may  be  maintained  on  a  high  level."  ^^ 

The  amendments  of  1920  struck  out  or  changed  the  fol- 
lowing provisions  in  the  Declaration : 

".  .  .  and  it  [the  Declaration]  is  made,  not  with  the  view 
of  antagonizing  the  cause  of  labor,  but  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
tecting and  safeguarding  the  interests  of  the  membership  of  this 
Association." 

"This  Association  maintains  the  right  of  every  member  to 
conduct  an  'open'  office,  employing  whomsoever  such  member 
may  choose,  with  due  regard  to  existing  contracts." 

".  ,  .  and  [this  Association]  invites  united  and  uniform 
action  to  resist  any  unwarranted  or  unjustifiable  encroachments 
of  labor  organizations  upon  the  rights  of  employers." 

"Local  Typothetae  and  individual  members  shall  be  at  liberty 
to  make  contracts  with  local  unions,  provided  such  con- 
tracts conform  to  the  spirit  of  this  declaration  of  policy  and  are 
approved  by  the  Executive  Officers  of  the  National  Organiza- 
tion before  they  are  executed." 

"  This  Association  is  opposed  to  any  agreement  between  Local 
Typothetae,  or  individual  members  thereof,  and  employees' 
unions  for  the  control  of  trade  or  membership." 

"  This  Association  deprecates  the  use  of  the  Union  Label, 
and  requests  Local  Typothetae  to  urge  their  membership  to  re- 
fuse the  use  of  said  Union  Label." 

"  This  Association  aims  to  advance  the  art  of  printing 
through  the  use  and  encouragement  of  Technical  Schools  de- 
voted to  the  discovery  and  training  of  such  young  men  as  are 
desirous  of  acquiring  proficiency  in  the  trade."  " 

The  amendments  of  1908  struck  out  the  following  pro- 
visions from  the  original  Declaration : 

"The  United  Typothetae  of  America,  therefore  requests  that 
when  a  demand  is  made  by  a  labor  union  upon  a  Local  Ty- 


232         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

pothetae,  such  local  body  should  communicate  with  the  National 
Secretary  before  conference  is  had  in  regard  thereto." 

"The  United  Typothetae  of  America  is  opposed  to  any  reduc- 
tion of  the  working  time  to  less  than  fifty-four  hours  per  week 
for  day  work.  The  Local  Typothetae  are  urged  not  to  enter 
into  any  contract  whatever,  except  upon  the  lines  laid  down  in 
sample  contracts  prepared  by  the  U.  T.  A.,  and  all  contracts 
should,  before  execution,  be  submitted  to  the  National  Organ- 
ization for  approval."  ^* 

The  provisions  struck  out  or  changed  show  clearly  the 
evolution  in  the  attitude  of  the  Association  on  the  point 
which  called  the  body  into  being,  namely  the  demand  for 
a  shorter  workday,  as  well  as  its  decline  in  dealing  directly 
and  successfully  with  labor  disputes. 

Evolution;  Struggle  Over  the  Nine-Hour  Day.—  The 
United  Typothetae  of  America,  as  it  was  known  until  in  1913, 
and  as  it  has  been  known  since  191 7,  (during  that  time 
it  was  called  the  United  Typothetae  and  Franklin  Clubs  of 
America)  was  organized  in  October,  1887,  largely  through 
the  efforts  of  the  Chicago  Typothetae,  which  had  not  yet  been 
organized  one  year.  Such  organizations  were  then  not 
wholly  new,  as  there  is  record  of  the  formation  of  the  New 
York  Typothetae,  as  early  as  1862,^'  but  the  number 
of  trade  organizations  at  that  time  was  small.  When 
the  United  Typothetae  was  organized,  it  was  believed  that 
such  an  organization  of  master  printers  was  necessary,  be- 
cause the  employers  had  hitherto  been  poorly  organized, 
while  their  employees  were  acting  as  a  unit  in  practically  all 
branches  of  the  business. ^^  The  occasion  for  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Chicago  Typothetae  was  the  demand  of  the 
Typographical  Union  for  the  nine-hour  day ;  and  this  demand 
and  the  efforts  of  the  Chicago  Typothetae  led  directly  to  the 
formation  of  the  United  Typothetae,^''  for  the  employing 
printers  then  regarded  the  demand  for  a  nine-hour  day  as 
very  unreasonable.^^     There  was  one  other  purpose  that  led 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  233 

to  its  organization,  and  that  now  seems  to  be  its  dominant 
motive :  "  The  United  Typothetae  beUeves  in  killing 
jealousy  between  competitors  by  making  competition 
fair."  ^^  In  other  words,  "  The  United  Typothetae  is  not  a 
militant  organization  at  all  times ;  fundamentally,  its  business 
is  to  develop  a  community  of  interests  and  a  fraternal  spirit 
among  .  .  .  [the  employing  printers]  for  the  purpose  of 
exchanging  information  and  assisting  each  other  when 
necessary."  2°  In  fact,  one  of  its  historians  characterizes  as 
entirely  erroneous  the  assertion  that  "  the  Typothetae  was 
originally  formed  to  attack  organizations  of  working-men 
and  to  destroy  them."  ^^  However,  "If  the  International 
Typographical  Union  had  not  thought  they  wanted  a  nine- 
hour  day  —  or  an  eight-hour  day  —  in  1887,  the  United 
Typothetae  of  America  would  probably  not  have  come  into 
existence."^^  So  says  J.  Stearns  Gushing,  one  of  the  most 
important  members  of  the  Association. 

Struggle  Over  the  Eight-Hour  Day. — From  1887  to 
1898,  the  U.  T.  A.  successfully  opposed-the  efforts  of  the  In- 
ternational Typographical  Union  to  shorten  the  workday 
nationally,  but  in  1898,  the  master  printers  were  forced  to 
grant  the  nine-hour  day.  The  Union  however,  continued 
its  agitation  for  eight-hour  day.^'  In  1904,  the  United 
Typothetae  strongly  opposed  the  adoption  of  the  eight-hour 
day,  on  the  ground  that  "  to  do  so  would  be  calamitous  to  the 
printing  interest,"  ^^  and  the  Executive  Committee  advised 
Typothetae  members  to  resist  to  the  utmost  any  attempts  to 
enforce  its  adoption.  This  Committee  held  that  the  length 
of  the  workday  was  a  national  and  not  a  local  question,  and 
that  a  concession  of  the  nine-hour  day  had  been  made  by  the 
employing  printers  only  five  years  before  at  the  Syracuse 
conference  of  1898  and  the  time  was  too  soon  for  another 
reduction.^^  The  Executive  Committee  sent  out  circular 
letters  and  inquiry  blanks  to  each  of  the  618  cities  reported 
to  have  local  typographical  unions  —  two  or  three  blanks  to 


234         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

each  city  —  and  informed  the  master  printers  that  the  Uni- 
ted Typothetse  was  opposed  to  any  further  reduction  in  the 
hours  of  work  per  week  below  54  hours,  and  asked  for  in- 
formation as  to  the  agitation  for  the  shorter  day  by  the 
unions,  or  the  demands  for  such,  and  the  attitude  of  the 
employing  printers  in  the  city  towards  the  eight-hour  day. 
The  replies  stated  that  practically  only  the  newspapers 
had  granted  the  shorter  day  in  the  few  cases  where  it  had 
been  granted,  and  that  the  great  majority  of  the  master 
printers  regarded  it  as  not  feasible  and  would  resist  its 
adoption.  The  United  Typothetse  in  the  convention  of  that 
year,  1904,  went  into  executive  session  and  adopted  unani- 
mously resolutions  opposed  to  any  reduction  of  the  54- 
hour  week  and  pledged  itself  to  resist  any  attempt  of  the 
International  Typographical  Union  to  reduce  the  hours  of 
labor  below  those  then  prevailing.^^  Similar  action  was 
taken  at  the  convention  of  1905.^°  In  the  latter  part  of  1905 
and  the  first  part  of  1906,  the  Union  and  the  Association 
came  into  sharp  conflict  all  over  the  country  in  a  series  of 
strikes  that  amounted  to  one  great  strike.  Aided  by  other 
associations,  the  United  Typothetse  temporarily  defeated  the 
Union  in  its  attempt  to  secure  the  48-hour  week  in  the  book 
and  job  printing  offices,  although  many  newspapers  granted 
the  demand.  It  is  said  that  the  attempt  to  force  the  eight- 
hour  day  on  the  employing  printers  cost  the  Union  over  two 
millions  of  dollars,  and  days  and  months  of  privation  to  its 
members. ^'^  Many  members  of  the  Typothetse  sustained 
severe  losses.  However,  the  Union  slowly  gained  shop 
after  shop  in  the  eight-hour  contest,  until  in  1909,  the  United 
Typothetse  conceded  the  eight-hour  day.^^  The  contest  thus 
ended  in  the  defeat  of  the  U.  T.  A. 

Struggle  Over  the  Forty-Four-Hour  Week. —  In  19 19, 
a  struggle  over  the  forty-four-hour  week  began.  During 
that  year,  the  Closed  Shop  Division  granted  the  forty-four- 
hour  week  —  to  begin  May  i,  1921 — to  the  unions  with 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  235 

which  it  dealt,  but  the  Open  Shop  Division  opposed  such  a 
reduction  in  working  hours.  The  main  body  stated  emphat- 
ically during  the  year  that  it  had  taken  no  favorable  action 
on  the  matter,  and  denounced  as  false  all  statements  that  it 
had  done  so.  It  called  attention  to  the  fact  that  it  had  dis- 
approved, at  the  annual  convention  in  19 19,  of  any  shorten- 
ing of  the  work  week.  In  1920,  in  order  to  make  clear  its 
stand,  the  main  body  went  on  record  by  adopting,  by  over 
a  three-to-one  vote,  a  resolution  which  states  "  unequivo- 
cally its  disapproval  of  any  reduction  in  the  present  working 
hours,  and  recommends  to  its  members  that  they  resist  any 
attempt  to  enforce  such  a  reduction  except  where  such  reduc- 
tion has  already  been  agreed  to  by  contract."  The  Closed 
Shop  Division,  at  the  same  convention,  fearing  "a  serious 
deflection  from  the  ranks  "  of  the  Division,*  because  of  its 
grant  of  the  shorter  woric  week  and  the  opposing  stand  of 
the  U.  T.  A.,  adopted  a  resolution  declaring  its  "  belief  that 
production  should  be  maintained  at  its  maximum,  "  and  urg- 
ing the  International  Joint  Conference  Council  to  give  spe- 
cial consideration  to  the  problems  of  maintaining  maximum 
production.  Furthermore,  this  Division  has,  more  recently 
pointed  out  to  its  members  that  the  agreement  to  grant  a 
forty-four-hour  week  does  not  carry  with  it  any  obligation 
to  give  forty-eight  hours'  pay  for  forty-four  hours'  work.^* 
The  Typothetce  Bulletin  has  published  statements  and  reso- 
lutions to  show  that  employers  in  the  printing  and  allied 

*  That  its  fears  were  not  absurd  has  been  shown  by  its  decline  in 
members, —  in  September,  1920,  it  had  approximately  1500  members, 
['20  U  T  A  i]  but  in  March,  1921,  it  had  only  516  members,  of  which 
473  were  in  the  cities  of  Chicago  and  New  York.  [Mr  '21  Bui  4.] 
At  a  special  meeting  on  April  i,  1921,  the  Closed  Shop  Division  unan- 
imously adopted  a  resolution  "  insistently  requesting  "  the  printing-trades 
unions  to  withdraw  their  demand  for  the  44-hour  week.  This  reso- 
lution was  submitted  to  the  labor  group  on  the  International  Joint  Con- 
ference Council,  only  to  be  rejected.  [Ap  '21  Bui  8.]  Apparently,  the 
unions  regarded  the  move  as  a  show  of  weakness  on  the  part  of  the 
Closed  Shop  Division. 


236  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

trades  are  strongly  opposed  to  the  forty- four-hour  week.* 
The  U.  T.  A.,  beyond  passing  resolutions  and  publishing 
statements  and  resolutions  by  other  organizations  in  oppo- 
sition to  the  forty- four-hour  week,  left  the  fight  to  other 
organizations.!  The  failures  of  the  U.  T.  A.  in  previous 
contests  undoubtedly  were  a  cause  of  its  change  of 
functions. 

Belligerency  Towards  the  Closed  Shop. —  As  early  as 
1900  an  open-shop  resolution  was  adopted  by  the  United 
Typothetae,  and  in  1904,  its  belligerency  towards  the  closed 
shop  was  unmistakable.  Although  the  strikes  and  labor 
disturbances  of  the  period  ending  with  1886  were  potent 
factors  leading  to  the  organization  of  the  United  Ty- 
pothetae, since  they  made  the  master  printers  fear  union 
demands,^"  there  were  more  strikes  in  the  first  six  months 
of  1904  and  of  a  more  severe  nature  than  there  had  been 
previously  in  the  history  of  the  printing  industry  in  America. 

*  See,  for  instance,  D  '20.  pp.  11-12;  Ja  '21,  pp.  21-22;  F  '21,  pp.  22- 
24;  Mr  '21  pp.  4,  6;  Ap  '21,  pp.  8-9. 

t  District  Typothetae  have  been  formed  to  oppose  the  establishment 
of  the  44-hour  week,  and  "  The  National  Forty-Eight  Hour  League  was 
organized  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  March  30,  1921,  ...  to  oppose  'the 
introduction  of  the  44-hour  week  on  May  i,  1921,  or  at  any  time 
thereafter.'"  [Mr  '21  Bui  4-6,  8,  20.]  This  league  was  formed 
largely  through  the  efforts  of  the  officers  of  the  Employing  Printers  of 
America.  The  League  is  clearly  belligerent.  It  has  local  labor 
bureaus  in  operation  to  supply  men,  and  has  enlisted  the  support  of  the 
leading  buyers  of  printing.  [Ap(25)'2i  Bulletin,  Employing  Printers 
of  America.  After  a  six  months'  fight  with  the  unions  in  the  printing 
trades :  the  League  defeated  the  unions  quite  generally  throughout  the 
United  States.  Shops  in  great  numbers  were  placed  on  the  open-shop 
or  nonunion  basis.  The  establishment  of  the  Chairman  of  the  Closed 
Shop  Division  was  also  lost  to  the  unions  during  the  fight.  Even  the 
U.  T.  A.  showed  signs  that  it  might  take  on  new  vigor  in  labor  matters 
since  its  Executive  Committee  considered  a  change  in  its  labor  policy. 
[Au  (6) '21  Bui  E  P  O  E;  S(6)'2i  Letter  from  League;  Jl  '21  Bui  U  T 
A  13 ;  Au  '21  Bui  5.  33.] 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  237 

The  Association  had  come  to  favor  the  open  shop,  but  about 
half  of  its  members  then  operated  strictly  union  shops.'^ 
However,  the  decision  of  the  court  in  the  famous  Kellogg 
Switch  Board  Co.  case,  declaring  that  closed  shop  contracts 
were  void  on  the  ground  that  they  tended  to  create  a  monop- 
oly, helped  to  give  the  employing  printers  courage  to  make  a 
vigorous  fight  for  the  open  shop.^^  *  After  hearing  a 
strong  address  on  "What  the  Employing  Printer  Owes  to 
the  Nonunion  Workmen,"  ^^  the  Association  at  its  1904  con- 
vention unanimously  adopted  a  resolution  as  follows : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  members  of  the  United  Typothetae,  in 
convention  assembled,  do  hereby  declare  their  belief  that  what 
is  known  as  the  'open  shop'  represents  to  the  highest  degree  the 
principles  that  should  govern  the  relation  between  employers 
and  employees,  and  as  true  American  citizens,  conscious  of  their 
duty  to  deal  fairly  with  all  men,  do  by  this  act  pledge  themselves 
to  each  other  and  to  their  employees  that  when  their  respective 
plants  become  operative  under  'open  shop'  principles  they  will 
refuse  work  to  no  man  on  account  of  his  membership  or  non- 
membership  in  any  organization  that  concedes  the  establishment 
of  the  open  shop."  '* 

Mr.  Nunemacher  in  an  address  immediately  following  the 
adoption  of  this  resolution,  which  he  had  introduced,  made 
the  significant  statement,  "  The  Open  Shop  means  the  de- 
struction of  the  union  —  unless  the  unions  concede  it!  ^^ 

*  The  Department  of  Industrial  Relations  of  the  United  Typothetae 
of  America  has  contended  that  the  above  statement  is  inaccurate 
because,  "  The  very  first  U.  T.  A.  convention  passed  a  motion  that  the 
'  sense  of  the  convention '  was  against  the  closed  shop. "  In  the  same 
Memorandum,  however,  this  Department  says  that  "  the  organization 
was  founded  by  a  group  consisting  almost  entirely  of  closed  shop  men, 
but  was  joined  by  open  shop  men  to  such  an  extent  that  within  a  few 
years  it  was  predominantly  open  shop,  and  actually  in  1904  ruled  out 
any  closed  shop  members  by  Section  V  of  its  Declaration  of  Prin- 
ciples. By  igo8.  Section  V  had  been  amended  to  permit  membership 
of  closed  shop  men."  [Memoranda,  Department  of  Industrial 
Relations,  U.  T.  A.,  January  5,  1921] 


238         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

At  the  conclusion  of  his  powerful  address  urging  all  employ- 
ers to  stand  for  the  open  shop,  he  said,  "  It  will  cost  us 
money,  it  will  cost  us  work,  it  may  cost  us  lives,  but  what  are 
money  and  work  and  life  if  we  have  not  liberty ! "  *®  And 
the  convention  was  unanimous  in  voting  him  thanks  for  his 
address.  But  the  promise  and  the  threat  failed  to  convert 
the  Union,  and  a  bitter  fight  resulted.  The  employing 
printers  were  largely  successful  and  in  1908  the  Secretary  of 
the  Association  reported  that  a  majority  of  the  Typothetae 
members  were  maintaining  the  open  shop,  and  that  there 
were  96  cities  in  which  the  open  shop  was  prevalent  in 
practically  every  department  in  the  shops  of  the  members.^^ 
The  Association  had  an  Open  Shop  Division  conducted  by 
the  regular  officers  of  the  national  body  before  it  had  a  closed 
Shop  Division.^^ 

War  Upon  the  Union  Label. —  This  campaign  against 
the  closed  shop  had  its  counterpart  in  a  war  upon  the  union 
label.  The  convention  of  1898  adopted  resolutions  of  oppo- 
sition to  the  use  of  the  union  label,  and  authorized  the 
expenditure  of  money  in  testing  the  legality  before  the 
courts  of  ordinances  requiring  the  union  label  on  municipal 
documents.^^  During  the  next  ten  years  the  fight  on  the 
union  label  widened.^*^  Ordinances  in  various  cities  requir- 
ing the  union  label  on  all  public  documents  were  repealed 
wherever  a  local  typothetae  was  powerful,  and  the  union  was 
defeated  in  several  cases  where  it  attempted  to  have  laws 
enacted  to  make  the  use  of  the  union  label  compulsory,  for 
example,  on  school  text  books.  In  a  number  of  cities, 
employing  printers  discarded  the  union  label. ^^  But  a  con- 
siderable number  of  the  employing  printers  had  not  discarded 
it,  and  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  others 
urged  upon  the  employers  in  convention,  in  terms  that 
brought  the  responsibility  home  to  them,  that  they  should 
not  use  the  union  label  in  any  case ;  resolutions  have  repeat- 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  239 

edly  been  adopted  by  the  Association  to  this  effect.*^  Other 
associations  were  urged  to  oppose  the  use  of  the  union 
label.^^  Opinions  and  decisions  cited  in  union-label  cases 
were  compiled  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Associa- 
tion in  1903.^^  A  new  and  enlarged  edition  of  this  com- 
pilation was  issued  in  1906,  in  pamphlet  form,  entitled, 
"  The  Union  Label,  Its  Requirement  Upon  Public  Printing 
Illegal  as  Class  Legislation,  and  Therefore  Unconstitu- 
tional."*^ This  contained  court  decisions,  petitions  against 
laws  requiring  the  union  label  on  public  printing,  arguments 
against  the  use  of  the  label  in  general,  and  opinions  from  the 
daily  press  with  expressions  adverse  to  the  campaign  of  the 
unions  for  the  label.  It  was  argued  that  the  union  label 
does  not  guarantee  sanitary  working  conditions  in  the 
shops,*®  that  "  it  does  not  mean  the  distinction  between  sweat 
shop  and  decent  conditions,"  but  that  "  the  union  label  is 
now  denied  to  the  very  best  houses  in  the  trade,  and  con- 
sequently the  union  label  as  a  general  thing  means  slop  shop 
work,"*^  and  that,  among  other  things,  it  is  "  nothing  more 
or  less  than  a  form  of  blackmail  levied  upon  unthinking 
employers,  compelling  them  not  only  to  pay  tribute  to  the 
treasury  of  the  union  by  the  purchase  of  these  labels,  but 
to  sustain  one  of  the  most  atrocious  systems  ever  inven- 
ted. "*^  Candidates  for  public  office  were  accused  of 
attempting  to  bribe  the  unions  by  the  use  of  the  union  label 
upon  campaign  literature,  and  this  tended  to  reduce  the  use 
of  the  union  label.*''  The  convention  of  1908  voted  to  dis- 
distribute  to  the  various  typothetse  the  data  concerning 
the  means  employed  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  the  campaign  there 
against  the  union  label.  That  campaign  brought  continual 
pressure  by  those  opposed  to  the  union  label  upon  any  one 
who  used  it.  This  was  done  by  a  system  of  letters  and 
personal  interviews  combined  in  a  follow-up  system.®"  That 
plan  was  very  successful  in  Louisville,  but  seems  not  to  have 


240         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

been  taken  up  vigorously  elsewhere.  After  1908,  the 
national  organization  weakened  in  this  activity,  and  soon 
gave  it  up.  From  1912-1917,  the  fight  was  left  rather  to 
the  local  typothetae  and  the  Open  Shop  Division,  for  the 
locals  then  reported  to  the  Division  on  the  matter.  Since  the 
action  of  the  main  body  caused  the  members  of  the  Open 
Shop  Division  to  resign  in  191 7  as  a  unit  from  that  Division, 
it  may  be  said  that  the  U.  T.  A.  has  practically  surrendered 
to  the  unions  in  the  matter,  especially  in  the  light  of  its  action 
in  1920  in  eliminating  from  its  Declaration  of  Policy  the 
section  deprecating  the  use  of  the  union  label.  The  newly 
revived  Open  Shop  Division  may  be  expected,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  to  oppose  the  use  of  the  union  label.^^ 

The  Working  Card. —  An  attack  upon  the  unions  from 
another  quarter  was  begun  in  1906,  by  the  issue  of  a  United 
Typothetae  Working  Card,  but  little  was  done  until  1908.^^ 
This  card  was  brought  forward  to  take  the  place  of  the  work- 
ing card  of  the  Typographical  Union.  Members  of  the 
Typothetae  were  requested  to  issue  these  cards  when  called 
for  by  those  who  were  regarded  by  the  employers  as  com- 
petent and  worthy  employees.  These  cards  were  designed 
to  introduce  the  holder  into  open  offices  and  make  easier  the 
investigation  of  references.^^  It  was  then  thought  that 
these  cards  would  do  much  to  overcome  the  advantages  of 
the  Union  Traveling  Card,  since  it  was  believed  that  work- 
men seeking  employment  in  other  offices  or  cities  than  those 
where  they  were  formerly  employed  would  value  such  cards 
highly  because  of  the  greater  prospects  of  employment  in 
typothetae  offices  through  the  possession  of  the  Typothetae 
Working  Card.°*  The  1908  convention  passed  a  resolution 
favoring  the  extension  of  the  system  of  Working  Cards,^^ 
but  eighteen  months  after  the  trial  of  the  cards  had  actually 
begun,  a  speaker  at  the  1909  convention  complained  to  the 
employing  printers  that  the  returns  from  the  effort  had  been 
very  slight  and  that  only  a  few  cards  had  been  issued.     Mem- 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  241 

bers  were  urged  to  support  the  system,^®  but  that  conven- 
tion took  no  action  on  the  matter.*^  In  order  to  pre- 
vent impostors,  the  cards  had  to  be, issued  with  care,  and 
workmen  did  not  take  enthusiastically  to  the  scheme,  so  it 
was  abandoned. 

Closely  related  to  the  system  of  the  Working  Card  were 
the  Bureau  of  Information  and  the  Labor  Bureau  of  the 
Typothetse,  which  with  the  fight  on  the  union  label,  and 
labor-betterment  activities,  formed  the  parts  of  an  exten- 
sive campaign  against  the  unions. 

The  National  Bureau  of  Information  was  intended  to 
serve  as  the  clearing  house  for  labor  information  for  the 
entire  printing  industry  on  such  points  as  wages,  hours  of 
labor,  number  of  employees,  whether  union  or  nonunion, 
number  of  apprentices  and  the  methods  of  their  training, 
and  the  means  by  which  apprentices  were  secured. 
This  Bureau  of  Information  was  to  supplement  the  local 
labor  bureaus,  and  in  turn  draw  upon  them  for  information 
and  other  assistance.  The  Executive  Committee  of  the 
Association  needed  such  information  as  the  Bureau  of 
Information  could  furnish;  and  the  individual  employer 
as  well  as  the  local  typothetae  made  frequent  requests  upon 
the  national  office  for  data  concerning  wages,  hours  of  labor, 
etc.  in  other  communities.^®  Accordingly  the  Bureau  was 
organized  by  resolution  of  the  Association  in  1904  and  was 
placed  under  the  control  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Association 
and  two  members  of  the  Executive  Committee.  Both  local 
typothetae  and  individual  employers  were  called  upon  for 
information  on  their  localities,  and  this  was  compiled  and 
published  for  the  benefit  of  the  members  in  general,'*® 
Reports  from  local  typothetse  had  in  the  past  furnished 
partial  information,  and  statistics  as  to  wages  had  also 
been  compiled  and  published,  but  the  information  was  far 
from  being  complete.®^  Members  and  the  local  typothetae 
had  not  been  prompt  in  sending  in  answers  to  the  queries 


242         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

of  the  central  office;  and  in  many  cases  the  questions  had 
to  be  asked  several  times,  with  the  final  result  in  some  cases 
of  unsatisfactory  answers  or  none  at  all.^^  After  the 
establishment  of  the  Bureau,  the  information  desired  was 
obtained  in  a  more  complete  form.  For  example,  in  1909, 
statistics  on  wages  for  each  of  the  various  classes  of  work- 
men in  the  printing  plants,  and  the  hours  worked  a  week, 
were  gathered  and  published  in  the  printed  proceedings  of 
that  convention.®^  For  several  years,  little  of  this  work, 
if  any,  seems  to  have  been  done.  Recently,  however,  this 
bureau  has  been  revived  under  another  name  and  enlarged.®^ 
Department  of  Industrial  Relations. —  In  April  191 9, 
the  Executive  Committee  organized  the  Bureau  of  Industrial 
Relations.  This  Bureau,  or  Department,  while  operating 
in  a  scientific  manner,  has  been  founded,  it  would  seem, 
on  the  assumption  of  collective  bargaining  *  or  "  wage  nego- 
tiations, "  "  the  elimination  of  strikes  through  voluntary  con- 
ciliation and  arbitration."  ®*  The  Department  has  two  main 
functions,  namely,  research  and  consultation.  Memoranda 
prepared  by  the  research  section  have  dealt  with  such  subjects 
as  "Shop  Committees,  "  "  Shop  Committees  and  Industrial 
Councils,"    "  Work    Councils,"    "  The    Department    Fund 

*  The  Department  objects  to  this  expression  on  the  ground  that  it 
"seems  to  infer  that  the  Department  is  trying  to  spread  the  gospel  of 
collective  bargaining.  This  statement  is  incorrect.  This  Department 
serves  all  members  of  the  Typothetce,  regardless  of  labor  policy.  * 
[Memoranda.]  As  many  of  the  activities  of  the  Department  have 
related  to  "wage  negotiations"  and  "voluntary  conciliation  and  arbitra- 
tion," the  author  confesses  that  he  has  assumed  that  these  negotiations, 
conciliations  and  arbitrations  were  not  generally  with  individual  work- 
men, but  rather  with  labor  organizations,  since  the  printing  industry  is 
so  generally  organized.  The  Department's  booklet  on  "  Helpful  Hints 
for  Dealing  with  the  Wage  Problem  "  would  probably  not  be  adopted 
by  such  open  -  shop  associations  as  the  National  Erectors'  Association, 
because  the  method  suggested  therein  is  hardly  workable  except  under 
actual  collective  bargaining ;  for  instance,  the  "  cost  of  living  contract 
clause.  "  Note  the  expression  in  that  clause,  "  the  officers  of  the  Unions 
herein  represented,"  which  can  mean  nothing  else  than  collective 
bargaining.    The  44  hour  fight  seemingly  changed  its  attitude  somewhat. 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  243 

Dividend  "  "  Profit  Sharing,  "  "  The  Proctor  and  Gamble 
Co."  [System  of  Profit  Sharing.]  *^  Studies  have  also  been 
made  and  advice  given  to  local  typothetae  and  members 
generally  in  regard  to  apprenticeship,  apprenticeship  agree- 
ments and  systems,  retail  prices  and  the  cost  of  living,  shop 
representation  and  wage  schedules.  The  Department  has 
made  comparative  studies  of  wages  in  the  printing  industry 
from  the  year  19 14  on.  It  has  pointed  out  the  relation  of 
printers'  wages  to  the  cost  of  living  and  has  shown  that 
wages  have  caught  up  and  passed  the  cost  of  living  in  recent 
months.  The  Department  has  made  a  study  of  profit  shar- 
ing and  bonuses  in  138  Chicago  plants.^^  It  analyzes  wage 
contracts.®'^  It  has  published  "  Helpful  Hints  for  Dealing 
with  the  Wage  Problem,"  which  suggests  how  the  increased 
cost  of  living  may  be  ascertained  and  used  as  a  basis 
for  wage  increases,  and  a  "  Statement  of  Facts  on  the  44 
Hour  Situation.  ""*  It  sends  out  a  monthly  news  letter  on 
the  subjects  studied,^^  and  has  issued  monthly  a  schedule  of 
wages  in  the  various  printing  centers.^"  It  prepared  a  brief 
in  the  New  York  Pressmen's  Arbitration  Case.  The 
Director  of  the  Department,  Mr.  Silcox,  has  spent  much 
of  his  time  in  advising  local  committees  in  connection 
with  wage  negotiations  and  other  labor  troubles,  for  instance, 
"  in  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  Washing- 
ton and  other  printing  centers. ""  He  has  been  very 
energetic  and  efficient  in  this  work.  The  Department  has 
furnished  advisors  in  labor  controversies  in  other  cities,  such 
as  Attleboro,  Bridgeport,  Camden,  Cleveland,  Toledo,  and 
Chicago.  It  has  engaged  in  collecting  statistics  as  to  the 
number  of  union  and  nonunion  employees  in  the  shops  of  the 
members  of  the  U.  T.  A.''* 

Labor  Bureaus. —  The  Typothetae  has  maintained  local 
and  national  labor  bureaus  for  many  years.  In  1904,  the 
estabUshment  of  local  bureaus  was  going  on  actively,  and  the 
Executive  Committee  strongly  advocated  the  building  up  of 


244         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

a  complete  system  of  such  bureaus  by  all  the  local  typotheta; 
as  they  were  then  conducted  in  New  York  and  Philadelphia."^^ 
The  Philadelphia  labor  bureau  kept  a  record  of  all  employees 
in  the  offices  of  the  employing  printers  in  that  city.  Records 
of  others  applying  for  work  were  obtained,  and  all  listed 
were  classified  as  to  occupation,  ability,  and  affiliation  or 
non-affiliation  with  the  unions. "^^  It  was  said  that  the 
bureau  did  not  blacklist  any  men,  but  that  it  attempted  to 
send  out  men  who  would  be  suitable  in  their  new  positions. 
It  was,  however,  designed  to  "put  it  out  of  the  power  of  the 
Union  to  use  any  underhand  methods  for  the  gradual 
advancement  of  any  two  or  three  individuals,  or  the  gradual 
advancement  of  any  one  class  of  men,  so  that  in  time  they 
can  come  forward  as  a  body  and  claim  that,  because  a 
certain  portion  of  their  number  has  obtained  this,  that,  or 
the  next  amount,  all  are  entitled  to  that  amount  as  a  mini- 
mum." ^°  In  1905,  a  National  Bureau  was  placed  in  opera- 
tion, and  received  thousands  of  applications  the  first  year.''^® 
By  1908,  many  local  bureaus  had  been  established,  and  they 
and  the  National  Labor  Bureau  did  very  effective  work  dur- 
ing that  period."^^  The  convention  of  that  year  instructed 
the  Executive  Committee  to  extend  the  system  further,"^^  and 
in  1909,  the  Labor  Bureau  was  reported  to  be  one  of  the 
most  active  departments  of  the  Secretary's  office.  A  large 
number  of  applicants  applied  for  positions, —  953  applied 
in  the  five  months  previous  to  the  report. "^^  Members  and 
local  secretaries  were  enthusiastic  about  the  operation  and 
the  results  obtained  from  the  various  bureaus.^^  The  Bul- 
letins of  the  United  Typothetae  have  repeatedly  called  the 
attention  of  both  the  employer  and  the  workmen  to  the 
Labor  Bureau,  to  the  one  where  he  could  obtain  workers, 
to  the  other  where  they  could  secure  employment  free.^^ 
A  systematization  of  local  bureaus  was  begun  in  191 2,  and 
new  ones  were.to  be  established  so  that  every  member  should 
be  in  reach  of  at  least  one  bureau.*^     The  National  Labor 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  245 

Bureau  has  tried  to  have  local  secretaries  send  in  a  list  of 
all  applicants  with  their  records  to  the  national  office.*^ 
These  bureaus,  national  and  local,  are  still  in  active  use, 
but  are  operated  more  actively  by  the  Divisions  on  a  national 
scale.  The  Department  of  Industrial  Relations  does  a  small 
amount  of  such  work.^*  These  bureaus  were  undoubtedly 
one  of  the  things  which  caused  the  unions  to  condemn  the 
Typothetse  for  its  alleged  nonunion  attitude.**^ 

Combating  Strikes. — Furthermore,  the  United  Typoth- 
etae  by  combating  strikes  has  shown  its  belligerency  to- 
wards the  unions.  Through  the  Executive  Committee,  the 
Association  has  aided  local  typothetae  in  strikes  in  the  strike 
period  of  1903-04,  a  period  of  numerous  strikes,  and  in  the 
strikes  of  the  Typographical  Unions  in  1906.  The  Executive 
Committee  encouraged,  counseled  and  assisted  the  local  ty- 
pothetae,  but  the  locals  had  to  "  do  the  real,  hard,  down- 
right. Simon-pure  fighting."  *'  Advice  as  to  schemes  for 
getting  men,  and  for  fighting  strikers  in  court  and  out  of  it, 
with  limited  financial  support,  was  the  general  character  of 
the  aid  given  to  the  locals  by  the  national  in  the  period, 
1903-04.*''  The  national  officers  were  kept  rather  busy 
during  the  year  with  strikes  alone.  The  Chairman  of  the 
Executive  Committee  reported  thus  on  the  situation  at  the 
time :  "  We  have  had  strikes  of  various  kinds,  ranging 
from  a  threatened  strike  in  Richmond,  where  the  Local 
Typothetae  carried  the  matter  through  to  a  successful 
issue  without  yielding  one  point  and  about  which  we  knew 
absolutely  nothing  until  long  after  it  was  all  over  —  we  did 
not  even  hear  the  shouting  —  down  the  line  through  strikes 
more  or  less  hard  fought,  from  a  *  bluff  '  to  a  fourteen- 
week  strike  in  Boston,  and  strikes  in  Chicago  and  Louisville 
that  even  yet  are  not  over;  down  to  a  strike  in  one  city 
where,  after  months  of  preparation  and  work  by  your 
Committee,  after  we  had  visited,  counseled  and  coached 
them  several  times  and  after  we  had  even  gone  so   far 


246         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

as  to  provide  new  men  to  replace  the  others  in  case 
of  strike,  the  employers  magnificently  held  the  fort  for 
forty-five  minutes  by  the  watch,  and  then  capitulated."  ** 
This  statement  shows  well  the  situations  with  which  the 
Committee  had  to  deal,  and  suggests  some  of  its  activities. 
It  was  to  meet  some  of  these  difficulties  that  later  there  was 
formed,  in  1906,  a  "  Flying  Squadron  "of  strike-breakers  — 
men  who  led  the  local  strike-breakers  *^ —  and  an  organiza- 
tion providing  for  open-shop  employees  was  fostered.®*'  In 
the  1904  convention,  much  attention  was  given  to  strike 
reports.®^  Also,  an  agitation  for  an  Emergency  Fund,  to  be 
collected  by  the  Association  from  all  the  members  and  not 
from  a  part  of  them  as  had  been  the  method  previously,®^ 
resulted  in  the  adoption  of  an  amendment  to  the  Constitution 
providing  for  such  a  fund  as  follows :  ®* 

"Each  individual  member  of  a  Local  Typothetse  or  individual 
members  of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America  shall  pay  monthly 
to  the  Treasurer  of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America  a  sum 
equal  to  one-half  of  one  per  cent  of  his  average  monthly  payroll 
in  all  the  mechanical  departments  (composing  room,  press  room, 
bindery  and  stereotype  and  electrotype  foundries),  for  the  pre- 
vious year.  .  .  .  No  member  shall  pay  less  than  $2.00  per 
month.  Thirty  per  cent  of  these  dues  shall  be  credited  to  the 
General  Fund,  which  General  Fund  shall  be  used  for  all  the  run- 
ning expenses  of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America.  Seventy 
per  cent  of  the  dues  thus  received  shall  he  placed  to  the  credit  of 
the  Emergency  Fund,  which  shall  be  disbursed  by  the  Treasurer 
on  the  order  of  the  President  and  Chairman  of  the  Executive 
Committee  for  such  purposes  as  are  hereinafter  stated.  The 
Executive  Committee,  with  a  three- fourths  vote,  shall  have  the 
power  at  any  time  to  levy  an  extra  assessment  for  the  general 
expenses  of  the  organization,  which  shall  not  exceed  the  regular 
dues  for  one  month.  When  the  amount  of  money  in  the  hands 
of  the  Treasurer  to  the  credit  of  the  Emergency  Fund  shall 
amount  to  $100,000,  the  payments  to  this  fund  shall  cease  to 
those  members  who  have  been  paying  continuously  from  Janu- 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  247 

ary  ist,  1903,  and  shall  cease  to  all  others  when  they  have  com- 
pleted their  payments  for  the  same  number  of  months;  but  the 
thirty  per  cent  for  general  expenses  shall  continue  as  monthly 
dues  to  all  members.  When,  however,  this  fund  has  been  de- 
pleted, for  any  reason,  below  $100,000  the  full  monthly  pay- 
ments shall  be  resumed  and  continue  until  the  fund  is  restored 
to  $100,000."  ^^ 

From  these  provisions  it  can  be  seen  that  the  assessments 
for  an  Emergency  Fund  placed  a  heavier  burden  upon  the 
Association  members  than  assessments  for  all  other  pur- 
poses, since  70  per  cent  of  all  dues  went  to  the  Emergency 
Fund  and  only  30  per  cent  for  all  other  purposes. 

The  Constitution  at  that  time  provided  that,  "  The  Emer- 
gency Fund  shall  be  paid  to  members  of  the  Typothetae 
under  the  following  circumstances  :®* 

"Section  i.  When  any  member  of  the  Typothetae  is  struck 
or  is  threatened  with  a  strike  he  shall  immediately  make  a  writ- 
ten statement  of  all  the  facts  and  submit  the  same  to  the  Exec- 
utive Committee  of  the  local  Typothetae,  if  he  is  a  member  of 
such  Typothetae,  or  if  he  is  an  individual  member  of  the  United 
Typothetae  of  America,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  United  Typothe- 
tae of  America.  After  local  investigation  these  statements  shall 
be  forwarded  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
the  United  Typothetae  of  America,  with  recommendations. 
After  consideration  by  the  Executive  Committee,  the  said  Com- 
mittee may  order  paid  from  the  Emergency  Fund  as  strike 
benefit  to  such  a  member  each  month  for  three  months  during 
the  said  strike  an  amount  of  money  to  cover  the  entire  or  such 
proportion  of  the  member's  loss  as  may  be  decided  upon  by  said 
Committee,  except  that  such  payment  shall  not  amount,  if  any- 
one month,  to  more  than  thirty  times  the  monthly  subscription 
of  that  member.  Provided,  however,  that  if ,  in  the  opinion  of 
the  Chairman  or  of  any  two  members  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America,  a  larger  monthly 
payment  or  payment  for  a  longer  period  than  three  months 
seems  advisable,  the  reasons  for  the  same  shall  be  reduced  to 


248         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

writing,  and  if  said  Executive  Committee  shall,  by  a  three- 
fourths  vote,  decide  in  favor  of  such  additional  payment,  the 
same  shall  be  made. 

"  Section  2.  No  member  shall  be  a  beneficiary  of  the  Emer- 
gency Fund  who  has  not  paid  either  subscriptions  or  dues  to  this 
fund  for  at  least  three  months  prior  to  his  strike,  or  who  is  three 
months  idi  arrears  in  the  payment  of  his  dues,  unless  such  bene- 
fits are  unanimously  approved  by  the  Executive  Committee  of 
the  United  Typothetse  of  America."  ^* 

Changes  in  Control  Over  Labor  Matters. —  In  1909, 
these  provisions  were  struck  out,  and  a  sentence  was  sub- 
stituted saying  that,  "  The  Executive  Committee  is  author- 
ized to  transfer  from  the  general  funds  to  the  emergency 
fund  from  time  to  time  such  sums  as  they  deem  expedient."  ^^ 
In  191 1,  this  sentence  was  also  eliminated  in  the  general 
amending  of  the  Constitution.^®  The  whole  matter  now 
rests  with  the  Open  Shop  Division.  The  Typothetse  had  too 
many  members  who  dealt  with  the  unions  and  did  not  wish 
to  contribute  to  a  fund  to  be  used  by  the  open-shop  employers 
in  fighting  the  unions,  to  make  the  collection  of  an  emer- 
gency fund  satisfactory  to  all  concerned. 

This  decline  in  the  strike-combating  activities  of  the 
Association  as  a  unit  is  evidenced  in  other  ways.  Let  us 
take,  as  an  illustration,  the  changes  in  the  Constitution  over 
the  control  of  labor  matters  by  the  United  Typothetae,  In 
1904,  the  President  recommended  that  an  amendment  be 
made  to  the  Constitution  giving  the  Association  power  ov^er 
the  local  typothetae  and  individual  members  in  all  matters 
relating  to  labor  except  that  of  wages,  which  were  regarded 
as  a  local  afifair.^'^  Such  an  amendment  was  adopted.  The 
Association  was  thus  empowered: 

"It  shall  have  power  to  legislate  for  its  membership  and  de- 
termine all  questions  arising  between  them  or  it  and  the  trades 
unions  or  other  employees,  in  regard  to  shop  practice,  hours  of 
labor,  apprentices,  and  every  other  question  except  wages,  which 
being  governed  by  local  conditions  shall  be  regulated  by  the  local 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  249 

organizations.  It  shall  have  power  to  levy  assessments  for  the 
Emergency  Fund  and  make  laws  for  its  disbursement  in  the  pro- 
tection of  its  members,  and  shall  be  empowered  to  enforce  its 
laws  by  fines  imposed  upon  its  members  and  by  the  withdrawal 
of  their  charters  upon  failure  to  comply  with  its  laws  as  they 
may  be  from  time  to  time  enacted."  "* 

In  191 1,  this  section  was  repealed,  and  a  provision  enacted 
which  declared  that  "  The  United  Typothetae  shall  not  at 
any  time  attempt  to  regulate  its  entire  membership  in  the 
matter  of  labor  control,"  ®^  although  divisions  might  be 
organized  to  regulate  thus  the  members  of  the  division.*" 
These  different  provisions  furnish  a  strong  contrast  in  the 
attitude  of  the  Typothetae  in  the  two  periods  of  time.  The 
first  provision,  enacted  in  the  strike  period  of  1904,  and 
maintained  through  even  a  greater  strike  period  of  1905- 
Q^  100  g^gj^  through  the  relatively  quiet  period  up  to  191 1, 
was  supplanted  by  the  second  provision  that  made  possible 
the  formation  of  two  opposing  divisions  in  the  Association, 
one  friendly  to  the  union,  the  other  belligerent  —  both  placed 
for  a  time  under  the  supervision  of  the  Executive  Committee 
but  both  now  possessing  "  complete  autonomy.  "  A  few 
strikes  were  reported  in  1909,  and  practically  none  in  1910; 
^^^  but  it  is  hardly  the  period  of  peace  that  is  responsible  for 
the  change. 

Cause  of  Change. —  The  change  in  attitude  of  the  United 
Typothetae  toward  the  unions  is  perhaps  explained  best  by 
the  organization  of  rival  national  bodies  of  employing  print- 
ers, namely,  the  Ben  Franklin  Club  of  America  —  which 
held  its  first  convention  in  191 1  — and  the  Printers'  League 
of  America,  formed  in  1906,  and  which  held  its  first  con- 
vention in  1909.  The  Ben  Franklin  Club  was  concerned  with 
costs  and  prices,  and  not  with  unions.  On  the  matter  of 
costs,  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Club  said,  "  The  Ben 
Franklin  Clubs  of  this  country  have  done  more  in  the  past 
five  years  than  the  Typothetae  has  ever  done  in  the  history  of 


250  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

its  organization,"  ^°^  The  clubs  thus  referred  to  were  simply 
locals,  and  the  national  Club  promised  to  do  more.  The 
United  Typothetae  was  dealing  with  costs,  but  strikes  had 
absorbed  so  much  of  its  energy  in  the  past  that  many  em- 
ploying printers  had  turned  to  the  Ben  Franklin  Clubs  for 
hearty  action  on  costs  and  prices.  The  United  Typothetae 
had  levied  dues  that  the  smaller  printing  establishments  felt 
were  too  high  for  them  to  pay ;  ^"^  and  as  they  remained  on 
the  outside,  they  competed  in  a  way  that  the  Typothetae  mem- 
bers regarded  as  "  unfair."  The  Franklin  Clubs  gathered  in 
these  small  establishments.  Attempts  were  made  by  the 
United  Typothetae  to  have  these  two  rival  organizations 
amalgamate.^"*  A  number  of  things  seemed  to  stand  in  the 
way,  among  which  was  the  fact  that  most  of  the  small  con- 
cerns dealt  with  the  unions. -^"^  The  Ben  Franklin  Club  pro- 
claimed that,  unlike  the  U.  T.  A.,  "  It  had  never  antagonized 
or  attempted  to  control  labor."  ^^'^  Thus  the  matter  rested. 
It  was  either  division  on  costs  and  prices,  with  the  two 
organizations  in  the  field,  or  division  on  labor  in  the  Ty- 
pothetae, should  the  two  consolidate.  ^''^  The  two  organiza- 
tions amalgamated,^*^ ^  and  the  Open  Shop  Division  while 
it  was  connected  with  the  Association  in  full  vigor,  probably 
represented  all  the  belligerent  element  of  the  original  United 
Typothetae.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Printers'  League  of 
America,  which  was  openly  conciliatory,  was  threatening 
to  encroach  upon  the  Typothetae  membership  of  those  mem- 
bers who  operated  closed  shops. ^°^  By  the  formation  of 
the  Closed  Shop  Division,  the  Typothetae  had  practically 
absorbed  the  Printers'  League.^"® 

In  1920,  however,  the  U.  T.  A.  gave  some  indications 
of  a  returning  belligerency.  Although  it  repealed  the  anti- 
union-label  section  in  its  Declaration  of  Policy,  it  adopted 
a  resolution  opposing  the  forty-four-hour  week.  Moreover, 
it  listened  to  an  address  on  strike  insurance  —  "a  scheme 
that  will  turn  a  backbone  of  putty  into  one  of  steel,"  so 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  251 

said  its  President,  After  hearing  the  address  by  the  repre- 
sentative of  a  strike-insurance  company,  who  set  forth 
how  employers  had  won  their  independence  through  strike 
insurance,  the  U.  T.  A.  adopted  a  resolution  recommending 
strike  insurance  to  the  serious  consideration  of  the  entire 
membership.  A  call  for  greater  co-operation  was  also 
sounded  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee,  who 
condemned  the  practice  of  one  master  printer  "  stealing  " 
help  from  other  master  printers  in  town  and  from  other 
cities,  which  was  said  to  cause  wage  increases.^^'* 

Negotiations  and  Arbitration. —  The  United  Typothetae 
has  taken  up  from  time  to  time  other  labor  activities  in  a 
more  or  less  inefficient  manner.  In  1896,  the  convention 
was  fully  informed  on  all  the  details  of  the  arbitration  of  a 
strike  in  New  York  City.  The  question  of  arbitration  was 
discussed  in  a  few  conventions. ^^^  In  1902,  the  Association 
entered  into  a  national  agreement  with  the  International 
Printing  Pressmen  and  Assistant's  Union,  and  kept  that 
agreement  through  the  belligerent  days  of  1904,  and  up  to 
1907.^^^  Suggestions  regarding  local  contracts  with  labor 
organizations  had  been  compiled  by  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee in  order  to  make  such  contracts,  when  renewed  in  the 
future,  more  nearly  uniform.  These  suggestions  were  pub- 
lished in  the  printed  proceedings  of  the  1904  convention.^^^ 
The  officers  of  the  national  body  during  the  early  part  of 
1904  had  taken  active  part  in  the  conciliation  or  arbitration 
which  settled  a  labor  dispute  in  Minneapolis,  and  made 
adjustments  in  other  cities  in  probably  not  so  friendly  a 
manner.  ^^"^  The  United  Typothetae  had  made  only  the 
agreement  referred  to  above,  although  at  one  time  it  was 
favorable  toward  agreements  with  other  unions.  ^^^  Local 
typothetae  had  made  agreements  with  the  unions,  but  the 
unions  seemed  inclined  not  to  make  agreements  with  the 
United  Typothetae.  Then,  as  now,  agreements  were  made 
by  conferences,  between  the  local  organizations  of  employers 


252  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

and  of  employees.*^®  It  is  a  difficult  matter  to  ascertain  to 
what  extent  such  agreements  existed  in  the  period  prior  to 
1904,  or  exist  today.  The  Bulletin  records  such  a  con- 
ference and  agreement  being  made  in  Detroit  in  191 1,  for 
1912/^'  but  no  other  cases  are  mentioned.  This  matter 
at  present  (1921)  rests  with  the  Closed  Shop  Division. 

Industrial  Betterment. —  The  Association  has  attempted 
to  state  the  duty  of  the  master  printer  to  his  employees.  In  a 
"  Code  of  Ethics,  "  adopted  in  1891  and  reaffirmed  at  every 
convention  since  that  time,  the  following  moral  obligations 
are  set  forth : 

**In  the  conduct  of  our  establishment  it  should  be  our  con- 
stant endeavor  to  elevate  the  moral  character  and  ameliorate  the 
financial  condition  of  our  workmen  who  are  engaged  with  us. 
This  interest  in  their  welfare  is  one  of  the  best  methods  of  pre- 
venting strikes  and  lockouts,  which  do  such  untold  damage  to 
both  the  proprietor  and  the  journeyman. 

"  While  it  should  be  the  firm  and  unalterable  determination  of 
every  printer  not  to  be  dictated  to  by  labor  organizations  when 
their  demands  are  unfair,  or  which  substitute  the  will  of  a  prej- 
udiced majority  for  the  conservative  teachings  of  common 
sense  and  justice,  we  should  be  slow  to  condemn  the  action  taken 
by  the  journeymen,  as  it  is  possible  that  the  influences  control- 
ling them  may  be  more  than  they  are  able  to  resist. 

"Any  action  which  tends  to  decrease  the  rate  of  wages  should 
be  looked  upon  with  as  much  distrust  as  is  an  effort  to  increase 
them.  We  should  always  remember  that  the  proper  place  for  us 
to  look  for  remuneration  is  from  the  business  that  we  do  at  a 
legitimate  profit,  and  not  from  what  we  can  save  on  the  per  diem 
of  the  wage  worker,  or  from  what  we  can  make  out  of  each 
other. 

"  In  the  treatment  of  apprentices  or  boys  who  are  in  our  em- 
ploy we  should  be  ever  careful  as  to  whose  hands  they  are  in,  as 
they  are  often  influenced  for  good  or  for  bad  by  the  example  of 
the  foreman  under  whom  they  work. 

"When  an  apprentice  is  taken,  it  should  be  considered  our 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  253 

duty,  if  he  prove  unapt  or  unteachable,  to  advise  him  to  seek 
another  line  of  trade.  It  often  occurs  that  a  poor  printer  would 
have  made  a  good  blacksmith  or  shoemaker;  therefore,  either 
trade,  as  well  as  the  boy,  would  be  benefited  by  taking  him  away 
from  the  trade  for  which  he  is  unfitted. 

"  When  we  conclude  that  the  apprentice  we  have  taken  is  com- 
petent to  learn  the  business  and  that  he  will  learn  it  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  reflect  credit  upon  those  who  taught  him,  as  well  as 
himself,  no  effort  should  be  spared  to  make  him  all  that  he 
should  be  as  a  workman  and  a  good  citizen.  By  so  doing  we 
add  to  our  own  happiness,  his  prosperity,  and  help  the  future 
generation  of  employing  printers  along  a  very  troublesome 
road."  "« 

The  Association  has  taken  up  industrial  betterment  activi- 
ties in  a  vacillating  manner.  In  1908,  it  encouraged  the 
formation  by  employers  of  sick-benefit  associations  among 
the  employees.^*®  In  the  1909  convention,  the  Typothetae 
went  on  record  as  standing  "  for  the  bettering  in  every 
practical  manner  the  conditions  of  workmen  employed  in 
the  printing  industry,"  and  favoring  the  enactment  of 
workmen's  compensation  laws  "  fixing  reasonable  but  sure 
and  prompt  recompense  to  injured  workmen,  whether  in- 
jured by  unavoidable  accident  or  through  negligence,  which 
recompense  may,  through  insurance  or  otherwise,  become  a 
regular  charge  of  doing  business."  ^^°  The  convention  further 
recommended  to  the  local  typothetae  that  they  use  their  influ- 
ence to  secure  such  laws  in  the  various  states.  But  the  fight 
over  the  resolution  was  strong,  and  the  matter  seems  to  have 
been  dropped  thereafter.  In  1909,  the  Boston  Typothetae 
reported  that  it  had  appointed  a  committee  to  establish  a 
savings-bank  insurance  agency  for  the  benefit  of  the  em- 
ployees of  the  members  of  the  Boston  Typothetae. ^^^  At 
that  time,  Mr.  Quarles  of  Louisville,  advocated  for  employees 
a  sick,  accident  and  death-benefit  association,  local  or 
national,  and  was  applauded."^  Later  on,  the  United  Ty- 
pothetae made  arrangements  whereby  employees  could  obtain 


254  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

sick  and  accident  insurance  at  rates  practically  fifty  per  cent 
under  the  cost  of  such  insurance  to  those  not  members. ^^* 
Agents  went  out  to  solicit  the  insurance,  and  members  and 
secretaries  of  local  typothetse  were  asked  to  co-operate  in  se- 
curing applications  from  employees.  The  company  with 
which  the  arrangements  were  made  was  the  Phoenix  Pre- 
ferred Accident  Insurance  Company.^^*  The  Bulletin 
carried  on  an  agitation  for  the  scheme  during  191 1,  and 
urged  members  to  use  their  influence  to  induce  their  em- 
ployees to  insure.^^"^  The  United  Typothetse  offered  as  an 
added  inducement  a  burial  fund  of  $100  to  the  beneficiaries 
of  policy  holders  who  died  from  natural  causes.  Arrange- 
ments seemed  to  have  been  made  later  in  the  year  with  the 
General  Accident  Assurance  Corporation,  but  no  great  pro- 
gress was  reported  as  a  result.  ^^*^  In  fact,  complaint  was 
made  at  the  19 12  convention  that  the  scheme  had  not  received 
the  support  from  the  members  that  was  expected  or  that  it 
deserved,  and  a  paper  in  advocacy  of  such  insurance  in 
general  and  of  this  scheme  in  particular  was  read  before  the 
convention.  ^^^  The  scheme  has  not  yet  had  any  noted 
success. 

In  various  other  ways,  the  Association  has  been  influenced 
in  its  activities  by  the  unions.  Influenced  by  the  Typo- 
graphical Union  in  providing  a  home  for  its  old  and  dis- 
abled members,  the  United  Typothetse  considered  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  similar  home  for  superannuated  employing 
printers  and  publishers,  but  the  idea  came  to  naught. ^^^ 
Employing  printers  have  been  advised  to  help  their  workmen 
to  make  good,  to  prepare  them  for  promotion  for  higher 
positions  in  the  employer's  own  shop.^^®  Likewise,  the  em- 
ployer has  been  counseled  to  invite  his  employees'  co-opera- 
tion in  matters  looking  toward  improvements  in  the  shop 
in  methods  and  equipment. ^^^  The  convention  of  19 14 
passed  resolutions  approving  the  policy  outlined  in  the  papers 
presented   on    "  Cultivating   the    Good- Will    Among    Em- 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  255 

ployees,"  and  recommended  that  members  consider  the 
suggestions  given,  among  which  was  a  "  Get-Together  Club  " 
of  employees  engaged  in  educational  and  welfare  work.^*^ 
Club  houses,  mutual  benefit  associations  and  a  paternalistic 
spirit  were  among  the  suggestions  dwelt  upon  in  the 
papers.  ^^^  A  close  personal  basis  for  the  relations  between 
the  manager  and  his  men  has  been  put  forward  as  a  remedy 
for  shop  troubles  on  the  ground  that  such  would  foster  co- 
operation between  employer  and  employees.  ^*^  The  bonus 
system  has  been  advocated  as  a  means  to  this  end  and  to 
securing  increased  production  by  encouraging  employees  to  a 
higher  degree  of  efficiency,  with  a  lessened  "cost  of  super- 
vision.^^* 

Industrial  Education. —  Furthermore  union  restrictions 
on  the  number  of  apprentices  have  caused  the  local  and  the 
United  Typothetae  to  take  up  the  questions  of  apprentices 
and  industrial  education.  Both  the  local  and  the  United 
Typothetae  have  established  and  aided  in  the  support  of  trade 
schools. 

Printing  Schools  Fostered. —  The  United  Typothetae  in 
the  latter  part  of  1905,  established  schools  in  New  York 
and  Chicago  for  instructing  workmen  in  machine  composi- 
tion. In  the  New  York  school,  other  courses  were  added 
later,  but  at  first  the  students  were  taught  only  a  small  part 
of  the  entire  trade,  and  a  large  number  of  them  were  turned 
out  in  a  short  time,  capable  of  only  a  limited  number  of  op- 
erations and  not  possessing  average  speed  in  these.  The 
schools  were  established  to  furnish  strike-breakers,  and  in 
this  they  were  successful.  The  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers  gave  moral  and  financial  support  to  the  New 
York  school  by  having  American  Industries  printed  by  the 
students  in  the  school. ^^^ 

About  the  same  time  la  printing  school  was  established  in 
connection  with,  and  as  one  of  a  number  of  schools  of,  the 
Winona  Technical  Institute,  and  probably  with  purposes 


256  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

similar  to  those  of  the  New  York  school,  since  a  general 
strike  was  on  at  this  time  in  the  printing  trades.  This  school 
is  now  called  the  U.  T.  A.  School  of  Printing  at  Indianapolis. 
At  first,  instruction  was  limited  and  elementary;  now  the 
school  conducts  training  in  all  stages  from  apprentice  to 
expert.  ^^^  In  the  early  days,  the  school  taught  printing 
theoretically  and  practically,  but  did  not  pretend  to  turn  out 
finished  journeymen,  but  rather  advanced  apprentices  well 
grounded  in  the  theory  of  the  trade  who  were  expected  to 
acquire  commercial  dexterity  in  actual  shop  work;  now  it 
turns  out  craftsmen."^  In  1920,  the  school  had  26  courses. 
It  aims  to  give  the  student  a  training  such  as  he  would 
receive  in  a  commercial  shop,  and  in  addition  that  which 
will  help  to  fit  him  for  executive  positions,  in  fact,  endeavors 
to  give  instruction  to  five  different  groups  of  students,  name- 
ly, (i)  those  desiring  intensive  training,  (2)  the  ordinary 
journeyman  desiring  promotion,  (3)  those  wishing  technical 
knowledge  as  a  foundation  for  future  executive  work,  (4) 
disabled  soldiers  who  are  being  rehabilitated,  (5) 
apprentices. ^^^ 

Great  emphasis  for  a  time  was  placed  on  advanced  work ; 
in  fact,  in  1914,  the  Bulletin  stated  that,  "  This  is  a  school 
for  advanced  work,  more  elementary  work  is  to  be  done  in 
shop  schools,  in  co-operative  schools,  and  some  in  the 
shop."  ^^^  Nevertheless,  the  school  gives  instruction  to 
high-school  students  for  the  city  of  Indianapolis.  ^^*^  But  it 
has  aimed  also  to  supply  advanced  technical  instruction  for 
experienced  men  who  desire  to  specialize. ^^^  The  school 
has  not  done  commercial  work  in  the  sense  of  making 
profits,"^  but  it  has  done  such  work  as  printing  the  Ty- 
pothetoe  Biilletin^*^  the  Convention  Proceedings,  the  Report 
of  the  Cost  Congress,  and  similar  work.^^*  Much  of  this 
printing  has  been  given  to  the  school  by  the  Association, 
In  1906,  members  of  the  United  Typothetae  began  their 
contributions  toward  the  financial  support  of  the  school.^*** 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  257 

In  1909,  an  attempt  was  made  to  have  the  $3000  annual 
contribution  paid  from  the  general  funds  of  the  Association, 
instead  of  being  collected  by  subscription  from  individual 
members.  But  the  motion  was  so  amended  that  the  Associa- 
tion was  to  pay  only  the  balance  not  raised  by  the  original 
method. ^*^  However,  in  19 10,  the  former  proposal  was 
adopted.  Members  could  still  contribute  personally  in  ad- 
dition to  the  amount  that  they  paid  through  dues  to  the 
general  fund,  and  were  urged  to  do  so.^^"^  By  these  two 
methods,  $3000  was  contributed  each  year  for  19 10  and 
191 1  to  the  school  by  the  Typothetae  and  its  members.^*® 
But  in  191 2,  the  convention  authorized  the  Executive 
Committee  to  expend  $4000  thus,  and  so  instructed  it  in  the 
years  1913-1916,  however,  in  19 17  no  definite  sum  was 
stated,  and  in  1918,  1919  and  1920  no  resolution  providing 
for  funds  was  passed,  in  fact,  the  school  was  said  to  be  on  a 
paying  basis  in  1919.^^®  The  school  was  not  supported  by 
the  United  Typothetae  alone,  for  in  191 1,  the  expenses  of  the 
school  amounted  to  $9000  and  the  Typothetae  and  its 
members  had  contributed  only  $3000.^'**  Besides  supplying 
printing  and  funds  to  the  school,  the  Typothetae  has  en- 
couraged students  to  attend  and  urged  employing 
printers  to  send  young  men  to  the  school.  The 
Bulletin  has  repeatedly  urged  such  support  by  the  employing 
printers,  and  has  given  extended  notices  of  the  work  done  by 
the  school.^" ^  The  school  has  had  difficulties.^"*  During 
the  school  year  1907-8,  a  change  of  instructors  was  made  be- 
cause the  former  ones  were  members  of  unions,  and  did  not 
enter  into  the  spirit  of  the  work  for  which  the  school  was 
created.  New  and  loyal  instructors  were  obtained  with 
difficulty.^"^  Financial  difficulties  have  had  to  be  met  from 
time  to  time,  and  union  opposition  and  sectarian  troubles 
have  hindered  the  growth  of  the  school.^"*  The  Winona 
Technical  Institute  has  had  many  difficulties,  and  the  school 
of  printing  has  shared  in  these.     Later  the  Institute  was 


258         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

reorganized  as  the  National  Trade  Schools,  but  finally  the 
whole  scheme  failed.  But  this  failure  did  not  carry  with  it 
the  closing  of  the  school  of  printing,  for  it  survived  and  now 
seems  to  be  well  established.  It  is  in  close  co-operation  with 
the  Indianapolis  Technical  High  School. ^'^'^  Correspondence 
courses  and  a  summer  school  are  recent  extensions  in  the 
work  of  the  school  of  printing.^'®  It  boasts  that  it  is  the 
largest  printing  school  in  the  world,  and  present  plans 
are  to  enlarge  it  greatly.  ^'^'^ 

Local  typothetae  have  established,  supported,  and  taken  an 
interest  in  a  considerable  number  of  trade  schools.^^^  The 
North  End  Union  School  of  Printing  in  Boston  was  one  of 
the  most  important.  It  was  founded  in  1900  as  an  evening 
school,  was  later  changed  to  a  day  school,  and  has  as  its 
stated  object  "to  make  not  more  but  better  printers.  "^°®  The 
school  was  managed  and  aided  financially  by  the  employing 
printers  of  Boston.^^^  This  school  has  been  taken  over  by 
the  Wentworth  Institute  and  the  work  enlarged.""  In  the 
following  cities  and  places,  there  are,  or  have  been,  trade 
schools  that  teach,  or  have  taught,  printing  —  schools  that 
have  been  aided  in  some  manner  or  are  a  result  of  the  agita- 
tion of  the  employing  printers  in  that  locality  :  Louisville^®* 
Philadelphia, ^'^2  Cleveland,*®^  New  Haven,*®*  Kansas 
City,""  Detroit,""  Chicago,"'  Bridgeport,"*  New  York,"' 
Rochester, *'^^  Pittsburg,*'^*  Carnegie  Institute. *''*  Harvard 
University,"*  Pasadena,"^  and  St.  Louis."^  Some  of 
these  are  public  schools  where  printing  is  taught;  one  is  a 
large  university  where  the  aim  is  to  train  executives  in  the 
printing  industry. 

Apprenticeship. —  The  U.  T.  A.,  for  a  number  of  years, 
has  shown  a  deep  interest  in  the  question  of  apprenticeship.*'^* 
It  has  had  apprenticeship  or  educational  committees  to 
investigate  such  matters,  has  published  forms  of  apprentice 
indentures,   and  has   finally  adopted   officially  a  standard 


The  United  Typotheta  of  America  259 

form  of  which  copies  were  sent  to  every  member  to  use. 
It  had  a  national  apprentice  director,  chosen  by  a  com- 
mittee on  education,  to  inspect  and  supervise  trade  schools 
and  methods  of  shop  training,  to  make  suggestions,  and, 
through  the  educational  committee,  to  report  to  the  Typoth- 
etae.  Through  this  committee,  the  U.  T.  A.  co-operated  with 
the  Conference  Board  on  Training  of  Apprentices,  and  with 
a  corresponding  committee  of  the  National  Industrial  Con- 
ference Board,  which  absorbed  the  former  Board.^"  The 
U.  T.  A.  has  repeatedly  urged  the  training  of  apprentices, 
and  outlined  how  apprentices  were  being  trained. ^'^'^  For 
the  use  of  apprentices  in  the  shops  and  the  students  in  the 
printing  trade  schools  —  to  whom  special  rates  are  made  — 
and  for  others,  the  Typothetae  is  compiling  and  editing  text 
books  on  all  the  phases  of  printing,  in  all,  about  64  vol- 
umes. ^^^  Based  mainly  on  these  volumes,  a  number  of 
educational  courses  have  been  formulated,  in  which  a  total  of 
6,673  students  were  enrolled  prior  to  October,  1920.  It 
has  prepared  a  "  New  Standard  Apprenticeship  Course.  "^" 
The  Association  has  adopted  a  definite  policy  towards  the 
public  schools  and  has  set  this  forth  in  a  pamphlet  on 
"  Instruction  in  Printing  in  Public  Schools."  ^'®  In  no 
other  field  relating  to  labor  matters  has  the  Typothetae  been 
more  successful  than  in  its  industrial-education  activities. 
Legislative  Activities. —  The  United  Typothetae  has 
opposed  the  unions  in  their  attempts  to  secure  labor  legisla- 
tion. In  1904,  it  was  active  in  its  opposition  to  the  enact- 
ment of  a  federal  eight-hour  law,  and  a  national  anti-injunc- 
tion bill.^'^®  Circulars  and  blank  petitions  were  sent  out  to 
members,  so  that  they  might  petition  Congress  in  opposition 
to  these  measures.  Letters  were  written  by  the  main  office 
to  the  chairmen  of  the  committees  which  had  these  bills  in 
charge,  and  extended  reasons  were  given  for  the  Associa- 
tion's opposition.     The  Secretary  of  the  United  Typothetae 


26o  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

appeared  before  both  committees  in  opposition  to  the  bills. ^*® 
This  seems  to  have  been  the  beginning  and  end  of  the 
Association's  strong  hostility  to  labor  measures  before  Con- 
gress. ^^^  But  from  this,  it  must  not  be  concluded  that  the 
Typothetae  has  not  been  interested  in  legislation  in  other 
fields.  It  has,  for  example  opposed  the  governmental 
printing  of  envelopes  from  nearly  the  time  of  its  organiza- 
tion to  the  present  time.^^^  Further  evidence  of  its  interest 
in  legislative  matters  is  found  in  fhe  fact  that  it  became  a 
member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the  United  States 
in  the  "  belief  that  this  Cliamher  will  remain 
the  medium,  in  which  manufacturers  and  merchants  will 
undertake  and  control  legislation  in  the  future.  "^^*  This 
Chamber,  as  we  have  seen,  has  opposed  labor  legislation. 
(See  Index.)  Complaint  has  been  made  that  too  much 
legislation  is  the  cause  of  business  depression. ^^^  The 
Association  has  also  a  Legislative  Committee  that  has  asked 
members  to  appoint  state  committees  to  watch  state  legisla- 
tion affecting  the  printing  industry. ^^^  The  legislative 
committee  in  19 19  complained  in  its  report  to  the  convention 
about  the  vast  amount  of  proposed  labor  legislation. ^^^  This 
Committee  itself  actively  opposed  certain  features  of  the 
original  War  Revenue  Bill  of  the  65th  Congress.^*'^  We 
have  already  seen  that  the  Association  took  a  stand  favoring 
workmen's  compensation  laws.  Local  typothetae  however, 
have  continuously  opposed  labor  legislation  through  the 
National  Industrial  Council. ^^^ 

Litigation. —  In  judicial  matters,  the  United  Typothetae 
made  its  most  significant  move  against  the  unions  by  an 
action  to  test  the  legality  of  a  contract  between  the  Associa- 
tion and  the  International  Printing  Pressmen  and  Assist- 
ants' Union,  which  had  violated  the  agreement.  Temporary 
injunctions  were  obtained  which  restrained  the  violation  by 
the  Union,  but  these  were  later  dissolved  by  both  the  state 
and  the  federal  courts  which  had  issued  them.     Appeals  were 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  261 

made,  but  the  real  point  in  issue  was  never  decided,  because 
the  judges  held  that  the  union  officers  had  in  this  case  no 
authority  to  bind  their  union,  A  decision  in  favor  of  a 
permanent  injunction  restraining  the  union  from  violating 
the  contract  would  have  established  a  precedent  so  that  the 
unions  could  not  legally  strike  in  violation  of  a  contract 
while  a  decision  against,  would  have  practically  meant  that 
the  unions  could  not  make  a  contract  enforceable  at  law.^*® 
Local  typothetse  have  secured  injunctions  in  strikes,  for 
instance,  in  Chicago  in  1903-04.  In  this  instance,  not  only 
were  sweeping  injunctions  issued  against  picketing  in  various 
forms,  but  suits  were  begun  against  the  striking  Franklin 
Feeders'  Union  amounting  to  thousands  of  dollars.  Heavy 
fines  had  already  been  assessed  by  the  courts,  and  the  contin- 
ued threatened  drains  upyon  the  treasury  of  the  imion  caused 
it  to  begin  proceedings  to  dissolve  its  corporate  form.*®" 
The  Bulletin  has  functioned  in  the  field  of  litigation  by  pub- 
lishing court  decisions  relating  to  labor  matters.^^^ 

Open  and  Closed  Shop  Divisions. —  As  the  United  Ty- 
pothetse  has  endeavored  to  leave  to  its  Open  Shop  and  Closed 
Shop  Divisions  the  greater  part  of  its  labor  functions,  a 
study  of  this  Association  would  be  rather  incomplete  without 
a  consideration  of  these  Divisions,  especially  in  view  of  the 
perplexing  problems  that  have  arisen  to  trouble  the  officers 
of  the  main  body  in  their  attempt  to  have  subordinate  organ- 
izations with  policies  so  conflicting  as  these  Divisions  possess- 

Evolution. —  The  Open  Shop  Division  was  organized  in 
191 2,  and  the  Closed  Shop  Division  in  1916,  under  a  pro- 
vision of  the  Constitution  of  the  U.  T.  A.,  as  adopted  just 
prior  to  the  formation  of  the  Open  Shop  Division.  Both 
Divisions  were  regularly  constituted  organizations  with 
"  Rules  and  Regulations,"  and  both  required  all  of  their 
members  to  be  members  also  of  the  U.  T.  A.  Originally 
there  was  much  that  was  common  in  the  "  Rules  and  Regu- 
lations "  of  the  two  Divisions,  although  inevitably,  there 


262  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

were  also  contrasts.     Formerly,  the  two  Divisions  had  their 
objects  expressed  as  follows: 

"The  mutual  protection  of  its  members  against  illegal  or  un- 
just interference  with  the  empioymentt  o^  their  legal  rights  as 
citizens  in  the  conduct  of  their  business. 

"The  securing  of  mutual  advice,  co-operation  and  assistance 
in  all  matters  affecting  °p^"     shop  conditions,  either  local  or 

international* 
generalt 

'*  The  investigation  and  adjustment  of  any  question  referred  to  h 
in  regard  to  labor  conditions  arising  between  its  members 
or  between  its  members  and  their  employees. 

"To  secure  and  preserve  equitable  conditions  in  the  workshops 
of  its  members,  whereby  the  interests  of  both  employer  and  em- 
ployees shall  be  properly  protected." 


192 


The  Open  Shop  Division,  however,  had  these  additional 
stated  objects  which  the  Closed  Shop  Division  did  not 
have: 

"To  assist  those  desiring  employment  to  secure  the  same. 
"To  provide  means  for  educating  young  men  to  become  good, 
true  and  efficient  workmen."  ^^^ 

These  additional  objects  are  easily  explained.  The  union 
helps  its  members  to  find  employment,  but  the  nonunion  man 
has  no  such  assistance,  so  the  Open  Shop  Division  has  found 
it  necessary  to  perform  this  function.  On  the  second  point, 
it  may  be  noted  that  the  open  shop  in  the  printing  trades 
cannot  be  long  maintained  unless  the  open-shop  employer 
educates  or  helps  to  educate  a  sufficient  number  of  nonun- 
ion workmen.  It  has  also  been  stated  that  "  The  chief  pur- 
pose of  the  Open  Shop  Division  is  to  maintain  the  right  of 
the  American  printer  to  work  wherever  he  sees  fit."  ^®*  and, 
accordingly,  the  activities  of  the  Division  were  directed  to 

♦This  indicates  the  variation  of  the  objects  of  the  Open  Shop  Division 
from  the  common  version. 

tThis  shows  where  the  Closed  Shop  Division's  objects  differed  from 
the  common  version. 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  263 

"maintaining  the  open  shop  conditions  in  offices  affiliated 
therewith,"  ^^^  when  such  existed,  and  to  obtaining  them 
when  they  did  not  exist. 

Since  the  Open  Shop  Division  has  desired  to  extend  the 
operation  of  the  open-shop  principle,  its  membership  quali- 
fications have  been  xnore  liberal  than  those  of  the  Closed 
Shop  Division,  which  has  been  largely  concerned  with 
securing  trade  agreements  with  the  unions.  The  Open  Shop 
Division  has  always  provided  for  active  and  associate  mem- 
bers, the  former  are  those  who  operate  their  shops  in  whole 
or  in  part  on  the  open-shop  basis,  while  the  latter  may  be 
strictly  closed-shop  concerns  which  are  in  sympathy  with 
the  open-shop  principle.^**  The  Closed  Shop  Division  has 
limited  its  membership  to  firms  that  have  operated  their 
shops  in  whole  or  in  part  on  the  closed-shop  basis.^'''  It 
has  thus  been  possible  for  a  member  of  the  Closed  Shop 
Division  to  have  been  also  an  associate  member  of  the  Open 
Shop  Division,  although  all  of  the  mechanical  departments 
of  his  shop  were  operated  on  the  closed-shop  basis,  but  not 
possible  for  a  strictly  open-shop  concern  to  have  belonged  to 
the  Closed  Shop  Division. 

Originally,  the  affairs  of  each  of  the  two  Divisions  were 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Boards  of  Governors  each  of  which 
consisted  of  twelve  members.  The  Board  of  each  of  the 
Divisions  was  presumed  to  have  full  and  complete  control  of 
the  business  of  the  Division,  subject  only  to  the  Division 
itself ;^®^  in  fact,  the  "Rules  and  Regulations"  of  each 
Division  provided  that  "  No  general  rules  shall  be  enacted 
except  at  a  regular  annual  convention  [of  the  Division]  or  at 
a  special  convention  regularly  called  for  the  purpose,  and  by 
a  vote  of  three- fourths  of  the  delegates  present."  ^^^  Acting 
on  the  assumption  that  it  was  independent  of  the  main  body 
of  the  U.  T.  A.  in  labor  matters,  each  Division  made  rules 
governing  its  members  in  labor  matters. 


264  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

As  the  chief  purpose  of  the  Closed  Shop  Division  was  to 
make  national  labor  agreements  with  the  unions,  its  "  Rules 
and  Regulations  "  simply  empowered  the  Division  to  "  make 
agreements  with  international  unions  through  its  officers, 
subject  to  approval  by  referendum  vote  "  ^"^  of  its  cnembers. 
Its  members  were  required  to  report  at  once  to  the  Secretary 
any  demand  frohi  labor  or  any  disagreement,  upon  its  re- 
ceipt or  occurrence.^^  It  was,  moreover,  the  duty  of  the 
Board  of  Governors  to  assist  members  of  the  Closed  Shop 
Division  in  the  settlement  of  any  labor  controversy  only 
when  the  members  affected  requested  such  aid.  The 
"  Rules,  "  however,  provided  that  "  Before  settlement  of 
scales  or  contracts,  disagreements  or  demands,  locals  and 
members-at-large  should  advise  with  the  Secretary."  ^"^ 
Local  divisions  have  always  been  provided  for  in  this 
Division,  and  a  large  degree  of  local  control  thus  existed  here 
that  did  not  exist  in  the  Open  Shop  Division,  where  locals 
were  not  arranged  for  or  recognized. ^^^ 

The  original  "  Rules  and  Regulations  "of  the  Open  Shop 
Division  thus  empower  that  Division  in  respect  to  control 
over  labor  matters : 

"This  Division  shall  have  power  to  legislate  for  its  members 
and  determine  all  questions  arising  between  them  and  their  em- 
ployeefs  in  regard  to  shop  practice,  hours  of  labor,  apprentices, 
and  every  other  question  except  wages,  which,  being  governed 
by  local  conditions  shall  be  regulated  locally. 

"It  shall  have  power  to  levy  assessments  for  an  Emergency 
Fund,  and  make  rules  for  its  disbursement  in  the  protection  of 
its  members,  and  upon  failure  of  any  member  or  members 
to  comply  with  its  rules  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  enacted,  it 
shall  be  empowered  to  enforce  its  rules  by  suspension  or  expul- 
sion of  said  members  from  membership  in  this  Division.  ^°* 

The  "  Break  "  of  the  Open  Shop  Division  with  the  U. 
T.  A. —  From  the  foregoing  outline  of  the  "  Rules  and 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  265 

Regulations  "  recognized  by  the  main  body  of  the  U.  T.  A., 
it  would  seem  that  each  Division  possessed  "  complete 
autonomy  "  in  labor  matters.  However,  a  majority  of  the 
members  of  the  Executive  Committee  did  not  at  all  times 
concede  such  independence  for  the  Divisions. 

In  191 5,  after  the  Open  Shop  Division  had  been  in 
existence  less  than  three  years,  a  dispute  arose  between  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  Association  and  the  Board  of 
Governors  of  the  Division,  on  the  question  of  the  right  of 
the  Executive  Committee  to  have  general  supervision  over 
the  Division.  The  difficulty  arose  out  of  a  strike  on  an 
open-shop  newspaper  in  New  Orleans.  The  American 
Newspaper  Publishers'  Association  had  tried  to  adjust  the 
strike  through  its  arbitration  agreement,  but  failed,  and 
Commissioner  Flagg  of  the  Division  fought  the  strike  for 
the  newspaper  at  no  cost  to  the  Division.  However,  the 
Typographical  Union  contended  that  the  United  Typothetse 
was  implicated  in  the  strike-breaking,  and  threatened  to  call 
strikes  in  Typothetse  shops  in  various  cities.  The  Executive 
Committee  complained  because  it  had  not  been  informed  by 
the  Division  of  developments.  The  officers  of  the  Division 
were  inclined  to  disregard  the  wishes  of  the  Executive 
Committee.  At  the  annual  convention  of  the  Association  in 
19 1 5  and  after  a  rather  heated  debate,  a  resolution  was 
adopted  which  placed  the  Division  clearly  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  Executive  Committee.  This  debate,  it  should 
be  noted,  made  very  apparent  the  fundamental  weakness  in 
the  scheme  of  divisions  or  branches  with  sharply  conflict- 
ing policies.  In  the  discussion  it  was  shown  that  the  Divi- 
sion had  been  receiving  aid  from  the  United  Typothetae: 
At  one  time,  one-half  of  the  salary  of  the  Commissioner  of 
the  Division  was  paid  by  the  Association,  although  he  had 
devoted  all  of  his  time  to  the  work  of  the  Division.  The 
Association  gave  the  Division  free  office  room  and  helped  to 
maintain  the  labor  bureau.     This  aid  constituted  one  of  the 


266         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

arguments  in  favor  of  supervision  by  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee.    On  the  other  hand,  the  Division  was  considering 
a  proposal  to  admit  non-members  of  the  Association  into 
the  Division.     Its  officers,  in  order  to  be  free  from  super- 
vision by  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  entire  body,  were 
willing  to  assume  all  of  its  expenses.     The  vital  question 
was  whether  the  Association's  influence  was  to  be  thrown  in 
favor  of  or  against  the  "  open  shop  "  at  critical  moments, 
or,  perhaps,  whether  it  could  actually  remain  neutral, —  in 
any  case  the  loss  of  either  the  Open  Shop  Division  or  the 
closed-shop  members  was  threatened.     Since  the  Division, 
by  the  resolution,  was  placed  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Executive  Committee,  the  struggle  for  the  control  of  the 
Executive  Committee  became  great.     In  19 17,  the  members 
of  the  Open  Shop  Branch  —  for  the  name  was  changed  to 
Branch  with  its  subordination  —  almost  to  a  man  resigned 
from  the  Branch  and  formed  the  Employing  Printers  of 
America  as  an  open-shop  organization,  still,  however,  re- 
taining membership  in  the  United  Typothetse.     The  new 
organization  was  thus  enabled  to  increase  its  membership 
without  regard  to  Typothetae  membership  and  was  free  from 
the  control  and  restrictions  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
the  U.  T.  A.  with  which  the  relations  of  the  Branch  officials 
were  not  always  harmonious. ^"°  A  census  of  the  membership 
of  the  U.  T.  A.  was  taken  shortly  after  the  withdrawal  of  the 
Open  Shop  Branch  and  the  canvass  showed  that  60  per  cent 
of  the  employees  of  the  members  were  union  men  and  40  per 
cent  were  nonunion.^"®    In  19 19,  an  incomplete  classification 
set  forth  that  523  members  operated  "closed  shops,"  531 
operated  "  open  shops,"  and  385  were   "  neutral."  ^"^     In 
1920,     a     grouping     of     the     entire     membership     gave 
approximately  one-third  to  each  of  the  three  groups,^"*  so 
that  it  is  fairly  evident  that  no  one  group  is  strong  enough 
by  itself  to  dominate  the  Typothetse  as  a  whole,  and  only  in 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  267 

emergencies  might  it  hope  to  enlist  enough  strength,  for 
example,  the  Open  Shop  Branch,  to  obtain  aid  of  the  "  neu- 
trals, "  to  carry  through  a  proposition  such  as  the  opposi- 
tion to  the  forty- four-hour  week.  The  United  Typothetae, 
it  seems,  has  not  been  able  to  divorce  itself  entirely  from 
labor  matters,  and  apparently  cannot  take  a  definite  perman- 
ent stand  on  the  labor  question  without  being  in  danger  of 
losing  its  dissenting  members  which  it  does  not  wish  to  do 
because  of  its  desire  to  control  the  prices  of  printing.  It  is 
doubtful  if  the  recent  move  of  the  U.  T.  A.  in  giving  "  com- 
plete autonomy  "  to  the  Divisions  will  do  away  with  the  con- 
flict, should  both  divisions  be  restored  to  their  full  strength. 
In  1919  the  Closed  Shop  Branch  granted  the  forty- four-hour 
week,  while  the  Open  Shop  Branch  declared  against  a 
decrease  in  the  working  hours  per  week.^"  At  the  1919 
convention,  the  President  recommended  the  dissolution  of 
the  Branches  "  in  the  interest  of  the  Association's  advance- 
ment." 210 

Restoration  of  the  Open  Shop  Division  Attempted. — 
During  1920,  the  U.  T.  A.  through  the  Bulletin  tried  to 
arouse  greater  interest  in  the  Branches.  It  called  the  atten- 
tion of  its  members  to  the  provisions  of  its  Constitution 
that  permitted  members  to  belong  to  either  of  the  Branches 
or  to  both  under  certain  conditions.  It  pointed  out  that  all 
were  privileged,  without  an  extra  charge,  to  membership  in 
one  of  these  Branches, ^^^  although,  originally,  both  Branches 
had  charged  dues,  and  again  do  so  under  the  present  arrange- 
ments. Apparently,  such  measures  failed  to  enlist  the 
hearty  support  of  all  of  the  "  open-shop  "  members,  and  at 
the  1920  convention,  the  U.  T.  A.  rescinded  its  former 
action,  which  had  placed  the  Divisions  under  the  control  of 
the  Executive  Committee  or  Council.  Although  the  Open 
Shop  Division  may  now  enjoy  "  complete  autonomy,  "  and 
although  attempts  covering  a  period  of  over  six  months  have 
been  made  to  reformulate  its  "  Rules  and  Regulations  "  so 


268         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

that  the  full  strength  of  the  Division  may  be  attained,  it 
seems  that  the  prospects  of  a  complete  restoration  remain 
poor.^^^  It  is  probable  that  the  objections  by  many  mem- 
bers of  the  Employing  Printers  of  America  to  the  abandon- 
ment of  that  organization  or  its  absorption  by  the  U.  T.  A., 
are  obstacles  that  cannot  be  removed.  Since  no  new 
"Rules"  have  yet  been  formulated  at  this  date  (March 
1921)  it  is  necessary  that  the  "  Rules"  of  the  Employing 
Printers  of  America  be  used  to  set  forth  the  structure  and 
functions  of  the  Open  Shop  Division,  for  they  are  the  evolu- 
tion of  the  original  "  Rules  "  of  this  Division :  That  no 
radical  revision  of  these  "  Rules  "  of  the  Employing  Print- 
ers of  America  to  adapt  them  to  the  Open  Shop  Division,  is 
needed,  may  be  seen,  when  note  is  made  of  the  provision  of 
the  1920  Constitution  of  the  U.  T.  A.  in  relation  to  the 
freedom  of  the  Divisions  from  control  by  the  main  body  in 
labor  matters. 

This  Constitution  provides  that  "  In  the  conduct  of  labor 
matters,  the  Open  and  Closed  Shop  Divisions  shall  enjoy 
complete  autonomy."  ^^^  The  Chairman  of  each  of  the 
Divisions,  by  his  election,  automatically  becomes  a  member 
of  the  Executive  Committee  and  the  Executive  Council  of 
the  U.  T.  A.  itself.  Co-operation  between  the  two  Divisions 
is  provided  for  by  an  Industrial  Relations  Committee  com- 
posed of  three  representatives  from  each  of  the  Divisions. 
Two  of  these  representatives  are  the  Chairmen  of  the  Divi- 
sions, while  the  other  representatives  are  elected  by  the 
Boards  of  Governors  of  the  Divisions.  This  Committee,  it 
is  said,  "  will  enable  the  Open  Shop  and  Closed  Shop  Divi- 
sions to  co-operate,  if  they  so  desire,  in  labor  matters  of 
mutual  interest."  ^" 

With  the  caution  that  we  are  taking  the  "  Rules  "  of  the 
Employing  Printers  of  America  in  their  unrevised  form  as 
the  "  Rules  "  for  the  Open  Shop  Division,  since  there  are  no 
other  recent  ones  available,  let  us  turn  to  the  structure  of 
this  Division : 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  269 

The  Open  Shop  Division;  Objects. —  These  "Rules" 
and  Regulations  "  set  forth  the  following  list  of  objects: 

"Section  i.  The  objects  of  this  .  .  .  [Division]  are:  The 
mutual  assistance  of  its  members  in  upholding  th*eir  rights  to 
operate  their  plants  upon  the  principle  of  the  Open  Shop; 

"Sec.  2.  The  securing  of  mutual  advice,  co-operation,  and 
assistance  in  all  matters  affecting  Open-shop  conditions,  either 
local  or  general ; 

"Sec.  3.  To  secure  and  preserve  equitable  conditions  in  the 
workshops  of  its  members,  whereby  the  interests  of  both  em- 
ployer and  employee  shall  be  properly  protected ; 

"Sec.  4.  The  investigation  and  adjustment  of  any  question 
in  regard  to  labor  conditions  arising  between  its  members,  or  be- 
tween its  members  and  their  employees ; 

"Sec.  5.  To  assist  those  desiring  employment  to  secure  the 
same ;  and, 

"  Sec.  6.  To  provide  means  for  educating  young  men  to  be- 
come good,  true,  and  efficient  workmen."  ^^^ 

Membership. —  There  are  two  classes  of  members,  active 
and  associate.  Active  members  are  the  firms  and  corpora- 
tions which  operate  their  plants  in  whole  or  in  part  on  the 
open-shop  basis,  while  associate  members  are  those  which  do 
not  operate  their  plants  on  that  basis,  and  "  whose  members 
or  officers  are  not  active  members  of  any  labor  organiza- 
tion." ^^°  Associate  members  may  become  active  members 
by  establishing  open-shop  conditions  in  their  plants.^"  All 
members  of  the  Division  must  also  be  members  of  the  main 
body  of  the  U.  T.  A.^^s 

Fees  and  Dues. —  An  initiation  fee  of  one-tenth  of  one 
per  cent  of  the  annual  mechanical  pay  roll  is  charged  all  new 
members,  and  the  fee  must  be  not  less  than  $10  nor  more 
than  $100.  The  dues  of  active  members  are  one-third  of 
one  per  cent  of  the  annual  mechanical  pay  roll,  with  a  mini- 
mum charge  of  $24  and  maximum  of  $1,200  per  annum. 
Associate  members  pay  one-half  the  amount  of  dues  paid 


270         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

by  active  members,  that  is,  one-sixth  of  one  per  cent,  but  the 
minimum  charge  per  annum,  however,  is  $24.  The  Board 
may  levy  special  assessments  on  both  active  and  associate 
members,  the  levy  on  the  associate  members  to  be  half  that 
on  the  active  members.  "  No  assessment  shall  be  larger  in 
amount  than  one-half  of  a  year's  dues.  Not  more  than  one 
assessment  shall  be  levied  within  thirty  days.  "^^®  Special 
assessments  are  limited  to  two  in  a  fiscal  year,  except  by 
ratification  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  in  meeting 
or  by  referendum  vote.^^®  * 

Government. —  The  Division  is  governed  by  a  Board  of 
Governors  composed  of  fifteen  members,  who  are  elected 
serially  one-third  annually  for  three-year  terms. f  The 
Board  selects  from  its  membership  a  Chairman,  a  Vice- 
Chairman,  and  a  Secretary-Treasurer.f  It  also  appoints 
a  Commissioner,  who  is  under  its  control  and  supervision.^^" 

The  Board  of  Governors  f  has  full  and  complete  control 
of  the  business  of  the  Division,  subject  only  to  constitutional 
restrictions  and  the  limitations  placed  upon  it  by  the  members 
at  annual  or  special  meetings.  During  the  interim  between 
such  meetings,  it  has  power  to  "  make  such  general  rules  as 
it  deems  necessary  and  proper  to  accomplish  the  purposes 
of  the  Division  "  to  remain  in  full  force  and  effect  until  the 
next  meeting,  where  they  must  be  ratified  or  become  inopera- 
tive. It  may,  in  turn,  suspend  general  rules  until  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Division.  "  Whenever  the  Board  of  Gover- 
nors receives  a  report  that  a  demand  from  labor  has  been 

*  The  annual  dues,  as  fixed  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Open  Shop 
Division  in  1920,  are  to  be  $12  a  year  payable  quarterly  in  advance. 
['20  U  T  A  134.]  Manifestly,  the  funds  thus  provided  would  be 
wholly  inadequate  to  operate  the  Division  on  an  efficient  basis. 

t  Officers  of  the  Open  Shop  Division  were  nominated  by  a  nominating 
committee  and  the  rep>ort  adopted  by  the  1920  meeting,  in  a  manner 
similar  to  that  of  the  main  body  of  the  U.  T.  A.  This  meeting  pro- 
vided for  an  Executive  Committee  of  five,  appointed  by  the  Chairman 
in  lieu  of  the  Board  of  Governors ;  only  the  Chairman  was  made  an 
ex-officio  member  of  this  committee.     [20  U.  T.  A.  133-134.] 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  271 

made  upon  a  member  of  this  Division,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  such  Board  to  take  full  charge  of  the  controversy,  and  no 
settlement  shall  be  made  by  any  member  without  the  Board's 
approval."  ^^^  "  The  Board  of  Governors  shall  take  cogni- 
zance of  controversies  occurring  between  members  of 
this  .  .  .  [Division]  in  regard  to  labor  matters;  shall  have 
the  power  to  make  the  necessary  investigations  and  to  make 
regulations  concerning  said  controversies.  Upon  failure  of 
a  member  to  comply  with  such  regulations,  the  Board  of 
Governors  may  withhold  assistance  in  case  of  labor  trouble, 
or  the  member  may  be  suspended  or  expelled  by  a  three- 
fourths  vote  of  the  Board  of  Governors."  ^^^  The  Board 
may  levy  special  assessments.  It  may  establish  employment 
bureaus  and  trade  schools  in  such  sections  of  the  country  as 
it  deems  advisable  from  time  to  time.  Such  bureaus  and 
schools  have  been  established.^^ 

Declaration  of  Principle. —  The  present  "  Rules  "  set 
forth  the  following  "  principle  "  in  relation  to  labor  condi- 
tions : 

"In  the  operation  of  any  system  of  hours  or  wages  now 
in  force  or  to  be  extended  or  established  in  the  future,  this . . . 
[Division]  will  not  countenance  any  conditions  which  are  not 
just  or  which  will  not  allow  a  workman  to  earn  a  wage  propor- 
tionate to  his  productive  capacity,  and  this  .  .  .  [Division] 
shall  have  power  to  make  such  general  rules  as  may  be  necessary 
to  accomplish  this  declaration  of  principle."  ^^* 

Duties  and  Privileges  of  Members. —  The  "  Rules  " 
have  always  made  it  the  duty  of  active  members  to  observe 
strictly  all  of  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Division  and  of 
the  Board.  No  member,  active  or  associate,  is  allowed  to  do 
any  act  whatever  which  is  likely  to  jeopardize  the  peaceful 
relations  with  his  employees,  nor  attempt  to  make  any  change 
in  the  prevailing  relations  without  the  previous  consent  of 
the  Board.     This  provision  vitally  affects  a  proposed  change 


272  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

to  the  open  shop  by  an  associate  member,  who  must  effect 
such  a  change  before  he  can  become  an  active  member. 
Active  members,  to  secure  the  support  of  the  Division,  must 
pay  dues  regularly,  and  for  failure  to  do  so,  they  are  liable 
to  suspension  or  expulsion.     Pay-roll  reports  must  be  made 
annually  in  the  month  of  February,  and,  for  failure  to  make 
them,  a  member  is  subject  to  a  penalty  of  25  per  cent  in- 
crease over  the  past  year's  dues.^^^     In  this  Division,  both 
under  the  old  and  present  "  Rules,"  an  active  member  must 
"  report   promptly  any  disagreement,   demand   or   contro- 
versy "  to  the  Board  ^^*  and  must  make  no  settlement  with- 
out the  approval  of  the  Board.^^^     In  this  connection,  it 
should  again  be  noted  that  the  Board  is  required  to  take 
cognizance  of  controversies  between  members  of  the  Divi- 
sion in  regard  to  labor  matters,  and  take  charge  of  any 
dispute   between  a  member  and  his  workmen.^^^     In  any 
labor  dispute,  the  Division,  through  the  Board,  extends  its 
influence  and  support,  and,  if  necessary,  aids  in  obtaining 
workmen  for  the  member  affected.     The  Board  must  secure 
the  co-operation  of  other  members  in  assisting  the  affected 
member  to  get  out  any  work,  which,  because  of  the  contro- 
versy, he  is  unable  to  do;  provided  he  has  observed  all  of 
the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Division,  among  which  is  the 
requirement  that  he  "  must  have  been  in  good  standing  as  an 
active  member  for  at  least  six  months."  ^^ 

The  Closed  Shop  Division  has  had  by  no  means  so 
eventful  a  history  as  the  Open  Shop  Division  has  had.  The 
Closed  Shop  Division  was  not  organized  until  after  the 
Open  Shop  Division  had  been  in  existence  for  four  years, 
and  then  at  a  time  when  the  Open  Shop  Division  was  threat- 
ening to  withdraw  from  the  U.  T.  A.  In  19 18,  through  an 
amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  U.  T.  A.,  the  name 
was  changed  to  that  of  the  Closed  Shop  Branch,  but  the  for- 
mer name  was  restored  in  1920  at  the  time  that  *'  complete 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  273 

autonomy  "  in  labor  matters  was  granted.^^*  At  one  time, 
all  of  the  locals  of  the  Printers'  League  of  America,  with  the 
exception  of  Cincinnati,  had  joined  this  Branch,  so  that  the 
League  was  thus  practically  absorbed  for  the  time  being  by 
the  United  Typothetae  of  America  and  this  Branch.  The 
League  had  had  locals  in  New  York  City,  Cleveland, 
Cincinnati,  St.  Louis,  Chicago,  Toledo,  and  Spokane,  with  a 
total  membership  of  about  300  concerns,  all  of  which 
dealt  with  the  unions.  The  Branch  generally  modeled  its 
agreements  to  a  great  extent  after  those  of  the  American 
Newspaper  Publishers'  Association,  and  did  this  in  the  face 
of  the  strong  objections  that  the  A.  N.  P.  A.  agreements 
were  individual  rather  than  collective  agreements  and  were 
valid  only  when  signed  by  the  individual  printer  and  the  local 
union. ^^°  The  logical  development  to  such  agreements  was  a 
standard  one  closely  resembling  those  of  the  A.  N.  P.  A., 
which  was  brought  about  through  the  formation  of  an  In- 
ternational Joint  Conference  Council  in  1919.  This 
Council  was  formed  to  negotiate  agreements  and  settle  dis- 
putes arising  between  the  employing  printer  and  the  unions 
when  such  controversies  could  not  be  adjusted  by  local 
conciliation  or  local  arbitration.  Before  taking  up  a  dis- 
cussion of  the  operations  of  the  Council,  we  should,  how- 
ever, first  note  the  structure  of  the  Closed  Shop  Divi- 
sion. 

The  Objects  of  the  Closed  Shop  Division  are  thus  stated 
in  its  new  Constitution : 

Section  i.     Tiie  objects  of  the  Closed  Shop  Division  are  to 
safeguard  the  particular  interests  of  members  of  this  Division 
in  full  recognition  of  the  common  interests  of  all  employers  and 
employees  in  the  printing  industry. 

"  Sec.  2.  To  this  end  and  to  maintain  machinery  for  frank 
counsel  between  employers  and  employees  on  all  matters  in  the 
field  of  industrial  relations  and  labor  policy. 

"  Sec.  3.  Through  voluntary  agreements  for  consultation, 
conciliation  and  arbitration  to  prevent  strikes  and  lockouts  by 


274         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

joint  efforts  to  remove  their  causes;  and  to  resort  to  the  pro- 
cedure of  conciliation  and  arbitration  for  the  equitable  adjust- 
ment of  all  disputes  and  grievances  arising  under  collective  con- 
tracts. 

"Sec.  4.  To  maintain  the  right  of  all  local  Closed  Shop  Divi- 
sions and  individual  members  of  this  Closed  Shop  Division  to 
deal  with  representatives  of  the  employees'  organizations  in 
negotiating  contracts  concerning  their  own  wage  scales,  working 
conditions,  and  consultation,  conciliation  and  arbitration  agree- 
ments, subject  only  to  such  control  and  guidance  as  the  Closed 
Shop  Division  of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America  may  exer- 
cise when  directed  and  authorized  by  its  Local  Divisions  and 
individual  members  as  provided  herein,  through  convention  ac- 
tion or  referendum  vote. 

"  Sec.  5.  To  adopt  a  joint  program  for  dealing  effectually 
with  the  problem  of  labor  supply  in  the  light  of  a  survey  of  the. 
facts  as  to  apprenticeship  conditions,  trade  training  schools,  and 
other  avenues  of  entrance  into  the  trade ;  to  obtain  the  requisite 
supply  of  competent  workmen  either  by  apprenticeship  or  other 
processes  of  training  to  meet  the  real  needs  of  the  industry ;  to 
encourage  inclusion  of  clauses  in  all  contracts  specifying  the 
processes,  time,  and  grades  of  work  necessary  for  the  education 
and  training  of  apprentices  in  their  trade ;  and  in  carrying  ou 
this  program  to  co-operate  with  the  unions,  local  Closed  Shop 
Divisions,  local  Apprenticeship  Committees,  and  individual 
members."  ^^"^ 

Membership. —  To  be  eligible  to  membership  in  this 
Division,  an  employing  printer  must  ( i )  employ  union 
labor  in  at  least  one  of  the  mechanical  departments  of  his 
plant,  and  (2)  be  a  member  of  the  U.  T.  A.  either  as  an 
individual  where  there  are  no  locals  or  a  member  of  a  Local 
Typothetae.  Five  or  more  of  such  members  may  form  a 
local  Closed  Shop  Division,  three  or  more  of  which  may  in 
turn  form  a  District  Closed  Shop  Division,  and  in  this 
manner  affiliate  with  the  National  Division.^'^  The  mem- 
bership of  the  Division  was  reported  to  be  about  1,500  in 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  275 

September,  1920,  about  one-third  of  the  entire  membership 
of  the  U.  T.  A.232  * 

Fees  and  Dues. —  An  initiation  fee  of  one  dollar  is 
required  of  each  local  Closed  Shop  Division  and  of  each 
individual  member.  The  annual  dues  of  each  member  are 
fixed  at  twelve  dollars,  payable  in  quarterly  installments."^ 

Obligations  of  Members. —  All  members  of  this  Divi- 
sion are  required  to  subscribe  to  an  obligation  as  follows : 

"We  (or  I)  have  carefully  read  the  constitution  and  by-laws 
of  the  Closed  Shop  Division  of  the  United  Typothetae  of  Amer- 
ica, and  subscribe  to  and  will  abide  by  all  of  its  provisions."  ^^* 

Government. —  The  governing  body  of  the  closed  Shop 
Division  is  the  Board  of  Governors,  which  is  composed  of 
the  regular  officers  of  the  Division,  namely,  a  Chairman,  a 
Secretary-Treasurer,  a  First  Vice-Chairman,  and  the  Vice- 
Chairmen  for  each  of  the  allied  printing-trade  groups  and 
of  .the  District  Closed  Shop  Divisions.  This  Board  has 
"  general  supervision  and  management  of  the  affairs  of  this 
Division.  "  The  Chairman,  the  Secretary-Treasurer,  and  the 
First  Vice-Chairman  are  "  the  executive  officers  of  the 
Division  for  the  transaction  of  current  business," —  which 
includes  the  negotiation  of  agreements  with  the  unions  — 
and  are  elected  annually  at  the  convention  of  the  Division.^^' 

The  annual  convention  of  the  Division  is  usually  held  at 
the  same  time  and  place  as  the  annual  convention  of  the 
U.  T.  A.,  although  another  time  and  place  might  be  desig- 
nated. At  this  convention,  each  Local  Closed  Shop  Division 
is  entitled  to  one  delegate  for  every  five  members  or  fraction 
thereof  that  it  has  on  its  rolls,  but  the  vote  of  the  local 
delegates  is  limited  to  one  vote  for  every  member  in  good 
standing.  Individual  members  are  regarded  as  members- 
at-large.236 

*  But  in  March,  1921,  its  membership  had  fallen  to  516  members,  because 
it  had  been  granted  the  forty-four-hour  week  [Mar.  21,  Bui.  4.] 


276  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

A  vote  of  three- fourths  of  the  delegates  present  at  a 
regular  annual  or  special  convention  called  for  the  purpose, 
is  required  to  enact  general  legislation  for  the  Division,  or 
to  approve  agreements  or  contracts  negotiated  by  its 
executive  officers  with  the  international  unions  unless  such 
agreements  are  approved  by  a  referendum  majority  vote.^" 

In  order  better  to  understand  how  the  Closed  Shop 
Division  functions  in  labor  matters,  we  must  examine  briefly 
the  operations  of  the  International  Joint  Conference  Council, 
through  which  the  Division  performs  its  labor  functions  to 
a  great  extent. 

The  International  Joint  Conference  Council  is  com- 
posed of  two  representatives  from  the  Closed  Shop  Division 
of  the  U.  T.  A,,  and  one  each  from  the  Printers'  League  of 
America,  and  the  International  Association  of  Employing 
Stereotypers  and  Electrotypers,  and  one  each  from  the 
following  labor  organizations :  International  Typographical 
Union,  International  Printing  Pressmens  and  Assistants 
Union,  International  Stereotypers  and  Electrotypers  Union, 
and  International  Brotherhood  of  Bookbinders.  The 
Council  originally  consisted  of  10  members,  but  the  with- 
drawal of  the  representatives  of  the  American  Association 
of  Photo-Engravers  and  of  the  International  Photo- 
Engravers'  Union  reduced  the  number  to  eight. 

This  Council  passes  upon  general  trade  policies,  legislation 
affecting  the  trade,  hours  of  labor  and  shop  practices  with 
a  view  to  uniformity,  methods  for  malihtaining  "  rea- 
sonable "  selling  prices,  and  the  practicability  of  establishing 
wage-adjustment  boards  throughout  the  industry.  It  inves- 
tigates apprenticeship  conditions,  and  recommends  methods 
of  technical  and  trade  instruction,  and  has  submitted  a  pro- 
posed apprenticeship  plan  to  the  membership  of  the  Closed 
Shop  Division.  It  considers  and  reviews  the  causes  of  labor 
disputes  in  the  printing  industry,  and  acts  as  an  appeal  board 
of   conciliation.     It   underwrites   and   guarantees   all   new 


The  United  TypothetcB  of  America  277 

local  trade  agreements,  and  determines  when  such  agree- 
ments have  been  violated.  It  may  act  upon  "  any  matters 
of  general  interest  to  the  Trade,  whether  industrial,  educa- 
tional, economic,  legislative  or  hygienic,"  but  such  action 
requires  unanimous  consent,  and  does  not  bind  the  associa- 
tions and  unions  until  they  ratify  such  action.'^^* 

The  International  Joint  Conference  Council  claims  that, 
since  its  organization,  it  "  has  taken  action  resulting  as  fol- 
lows: 

"i.  The  establishment  of  machinery  for  informal  and  frank 
discussion  of  problems  in  which  both  groups  are  vitally  inter- 
ested and  the  maintenance  of  an  industrial  good-will  and  re- 
spect for  one  another's  opinions  which  lay  the  foundation  for 
materially  better  industrial  relations  throughout  the  industry. 

"2.  Adoption  of  cardinal  principles  to  guide  wage  negotia- 
tions on  the  basis  of  joint  investigation  and  recognition  of  the 
facts  as  to  economic  conditions  in  the  industry. 

"  3.  Provisions  looking  toward  the  constructive  handling  of 
the  apprenticeship  problem. 

"  4.  A  standard  International  Arbitration  Agreement  form 
recommended  for  all  contractual  negotiations. 

"5.  The  agreement  through  mutual  legislative  negotiations 
for  the  introduction  on  May  i,  192 1,  of  the  forty-four-hour 
week,  in  the  union  employing  sections  of  the  industry. 

"6.  Standard  Cost  of  Living  Readjustment  Clause,  Recom- 
mended for  Local  Contracts."  ^^ 

The  Joint  Conference  has  approved  a  form  of  "  Interna- 
tional Arbitration  Agreement,  Individual  Arbitration  Con- 
tract and  Code  of  Procedure,  "  which  contains,  almost  ver- 
batim, the  terms  of  the  "  Agreements  "  of  the  A.  N.  P.  A. 
The  "  Agreements  "  of  the  Joint  Conference  Council,  how- 
ever, contain  some  provisions  not  found  in  the  older  "  Agree- 
ments; "  the  most  significant  of  these  are  the  "  cardinal  prin- 
ciples," and  the  sections  relating  to  "  local  conciliation :  "  2*° 

Cardinal  Principles. —  The  "  Agreement  "  provides  that. 


278  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

**The  parties  to  this  agreement  hereby  accept  the  cardinal 
principles  endorsed  by  the  International  Joint  Conference 
Council  as  follows : 

•*i.  That  the  industry  frankly  recognizes  the  cost  of  living 
as  compared  to  19 14  as  the  basic  factor  in  wage  adjustments. 

"  2.  The  industry  to  pay  at  least  a  reasonable  living  wage ; 
scales  below  this  to  be  adjusted  in  frank  recognition  of  the  basic 
principle  involved. 

"  3.  That,  when  not  in  conflict  with  the  existing  laws  of  a 
constituent  body,  local  contracts  to  be  for  a  period  not  less  than 
three  years,  and  include  a  clause  providing  for  annual  readjust- 
ments of  wages  based  upon  the  cost  of  living  as  determined  by 
authorities  jointly  agreed  upon  and  upon  the  economic  con- 
dition of  the  industry  at  the  time  of  readjustment. 

"  5.  That  controversies  over  wages,  hours  and  working  con- 
ditions can  and  should  be  settled  without  resorting  to  lockouts 
or  strikes  through  voluntary  agreement  to  refer  disputes,  when 
unable  to  settle  through  conciliation,  to  joint  boards  of  arbitra- 
tion composed  of  equal  representation  of  employers  and  of  em- 
ployees, provision  being  made  for  an  impartial  arbitrator  if 
necessary."  2*^ 

Local  Conciliation  is  thus  provided  for  in  the  "  Agree- 
ment " : 

"There  shall  be  selected  by  the  respective  parties  concerned, 
from  within  the  localities  affected  by  the  issues  raised,  such 
equal  number  of  representatives  of  the  employers  and  the 
union  as  the  employers  and  the  union  may  deem  desirable,  not 
exceeding  three,  said  representatives  to  constitute  a  standing 
Local  Board  of  Conciliation.  Joint  chairmen  shall  be  selected, 
to  whom  shall  be  referred  any  controversies  which  may  arise 
as  to  the  construction  or  interpretation  to  be  placed  on  any  of 
the  provisions  of  the  local  scale  or  contract  or  any  alleged 
violations  thereof  by  either  of  the  parties  thereto.  If  the 
joint  chairmen  can  not  adjust  the  issue  or  issues  within  five 
days,  the  question  or  questions  in  dispute  shall  be  re-referred 
to  the  local  board  of  conciliation  for  adjustment.     The  joint 


The  United  Typothetcs  of  America  279 

chairmen  may  require  the  parties  to  any  dispute  to  submit 
detailed  statements  in  writing. 

"In  case  of  a  vacancy,  absence  or  refusal  of  any  member  of 
this  standing  local  board  of  conciliation  to  act,  another  member 
shall  be  appointed  in  his  place. 

"To  this  standing  local  board  of  conciliation  shall  be  referred 
all  differences  which  may  arise  under  any  local  contract,  or 
alleged  violations  thereof,  except  such  as  are  satisfactorily 
adjusted  by  the  joint  chairmen  as  provided  in  section  2  of  this 
code  [the  first  paragraph],  and  such  board  shall  meet  when  any 
question  of  difference  shall  have  been  referred  to  it  for  a  deci- 
sion by  the  joint  chairmen.  A  majority  vote  of  the  standing 
local  board  of  conciliation,  each  party  represented  therein  being 
at  all  times  entitled  to  cast  the  full  vote  of  its  representation 
thereon,  shall  be  final  and  binding,  and  the  decision  of  the 
standing  local  board  of  conciliation  shall  include  any  financial 
claim  if  such  be  involved  in  a  dispute  brought  to  it  for  decision. 

*^Should  the  standing  local  board  of  conciliation  be  unable  to 
reach  a  decision  in  a  dispute  at  the  end  of  ten  days  after  the 
same  has  been  brought  to  its  attention,  the  dispute  shall  be  re- 
ferred to  a  local  board  of  arbitration  as  hereinafter  provided: 
Provided,  however,  that  the  standing  local  board  of  conciliation, 
by  unanimous  vote,  may  extend  the  time  limit  of  ten  days  to 
twenty  days  if  in  its  opinion  an  agreement  can  be  reached  in 
that  time."  ^^^ 

Interrelations. —  The  United  Typothetse  has  had  various 
relations  with  other  associations,  illustrations  of  which  are : 
It  was  opposed  by  the  Ben  Franklin  Clubs  of  America  until 
the  two  amalgamated.^*^  It  is  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of 
Commerce  of  the  United  States.^**  It  has  tried  to  organize 
other  associations,  for  example,  a  national  association  of 
electrotypers,^*^  and  has  advocated  the  formation  of  fore- 
men's associations.^^®  It  has  encouraged  apprentices'  clubs 
such  as  the  Buffalo  Apprentices'  Gub.^*"^  Secretaries  of 
local  typothetae  have  formed  an  Association  of  Typothetae 


28o         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Secretaries.^ ^^  Local  typothetae  were  members  of  the  now- 
extinct  Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of  America,"*  and 
a  number  of  them  have  been  allied  with  the  National 
Industrial  Council.^^*^  The  U.  T.  A.  was  aided  in  the  strike 
of  1906  by  members  of  the  National  Association  of  Manu- 
facturers. The  Typothetae  endorsed  this  Association  and 
recommended  that  its  members  affiliate  with  the  N.  A.  M.^^^ 
The  United  Typothetae  has  co-operated  with  the  Citizens' 
Industrial  Association  of  America  and  the  National  Asso- 
ciation of  Manufacturers  in  opposition  to  the  enactment 
by  Congress  of  an  eight-hour  law  and  an  anti-injunction 
act.^®^  The  U.  T.  A.  was  represented  at  a  conference  called 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  the  National  Industrial  Coun- 
^.jj  253  ^  local  typothetae  often  has  relations  with  other 
local  and  state  bodies.  For  instance,  the  Boston  Typothetae 
was  a  member  of  the  Boston  Typothetae  Board  of  Trade, 
which  was  "  made  up  of  seven  departments  as  follows : 
Board  of  Trade,  Typothetae,  Electrotypers,  Book  and  Pam- 
phlet Binders,  Photo-Engravers,  Paper  Jobbers,  and  Asso- 
ciate Departments."  ^^*  Again,  the  Chicago  Typothetae  has 
been  connected  with  the  Employers'  Association  of  Chicago, 
and  the  Associated  Employers  of  Illinois,  and  aided  the 
employing  printers  of  San  Francisco  in  their  fight  for  the 
open  shop.^^^  The  United  Typothetae  aided  in  the  formation 
of  the  Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of  America  and 
urged  that  the  latter  organization  receive  the  hearty  support 
of  employing  printers.^^^  Through  trade  schools  and  indus- 
trial education,  the  United  Typothetae  has  been  related  to  a 
large  number  of  associations,  among  which  are  the  National 
Association  of  Employing  Lithographers,  the  'National 
Founders'  Association,  the  Tile  Manufacturers'  Credit  As- 
sociation, the  Inter-State  Tile  and  Mantel  Dealers'  Associa- 
tion, the  National  Brickmakers'  Association,  the  National 
Metal  Trades  Association,  and  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers.^^^     The  United  Typothetae  joined  with  the 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  281 

following  associations  in  the  formation  of  an  employers' 
mutual  liability  insurance  company  (the  Ben  Franklin 
Mutual  Casualty  Insurance  Company)  :  the  Daily  News- 
paper Publishers'  Association  of  Chicago,  the  Illinois  Pub- 
lishers' Association,  the  Ben  Franklin  Club  of  America,  the 
International  Association  of  Employing  Electrotypers,  the 
National  Association  of  Employing  Lithographers,  the 
International  Association  of  Photo-Engravers,  the  National 
Association  of  Steel  and  Copper  Plate  Engravers,  and  the 
Binders  and  Rulers  Association."®  It  was  a  member 
of  the  Conference  Board  on  the  Training  of  Apprentices 
which  was  made  up  of  representatives  from  the  N.  A.  M., 
N.  F.  A.,  N.  M.  T.  A.,  U.  T.  A.  and  the  National  Machine 
Tool  Builders'  Association.^®^  It  is  a  member  of  the 
National  Industrial  Conference  Board.^^°  Through  officers, 
the  Typothetse  has  been  related  to  the  American  Newspaper 
Publishers'  Association,  the  Employers'  Association  of 
Louisville,  the  Employers'  Association  of  Detroit,  and 
others. ^''^  The  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Associa- 
tion furnished  data  for  the  brief  made  by  the  U.  T.  A.  in  the 
New  York  Pressmen's  Arbitration  Case.^^^  Finally,  the 
Association  has  had  international  relations  with  the  Master 
Printers  and  Allied  Trade  Association  of  London,  England, 
with  the  Master  Printers  at  Birmingham,^^^  and  with  the 
Federation  of  Master  Printers  and  Allied  Trades  of  the 
United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland.^*^* 

A  Comparison  between  the  American  Newspaper  Pub- 
lishers' Association  and  the  United  Typothetse  of  America 
brings  out  similarities  and  contrasts.  Both  are  in  the  print- 
ing trades  and  accordingly  employ  workmen  of  similar 
training  and  crafts.  Each  has  a  division  or  divisions  to 
deal  with  the  labor  problem ;  the  former  has  a  closed-shop, 
while  the  latter  has  both  an  open-shop  and  a  closed-shop 
division.  The  former  is  frankly  favorable  to  the  unions, 
the  latter  is  now  divided  on  its  stand  toward  the 
unions.     Both  perform  other  functions  than  those  relating 


282         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

to  labor  matters.  Both  organizations  publish  Bulletins; 
those  of  the  former  are  confidential,  while  those  of  the  latter 
are  distributed  widely.  Locals  of  both  have  combated 
strikes.  Some  of  the  members  of  each  are  badly  out  of  har- 
mony with  the  labor  attitude  of  the  other  members  of  the 
organization, —  there  is  no  harmony  of  interest  such  as  is 
found  in  the  National  Erectors'  Association.  Both  organi- 
zations have  published,  at  times,  bulletins  on  wage  scales  in 
the  various  cities  of  the  United  States  where  members  are 
located.  Both  have  interested  themselves  in  legislation, 
but  only  the  Typothetae  seems  to  have  opposed  labor  legis- 
lation. The  United  Typothetae  has  a  complete  "Code  of 
Ethics  "  on  the  duty  of  a  member  to  himself,  on  the  duty  of  a 
member  to  other  members,  on  the  duty  of  all  members  on 
prices  and  estimates,  and  toward  their  workmen ;  the  Ameri- 
can Newspaper  Publishers'  Association  has  no  such  code  of 
Ethics.265 

Other  Associations  exist  in  the  printing  industry,  but 
none  of  these  is  so  prominent  as  either  of  the  two  just 
studied.  Among  these  is  the  National  Association  of  Em- 
ploying Lithographers,  which  was  formed  in  May,  1906,  as 
a  negotiatory  association,  but  by  the  end  of  the  year  had  de- 
clared for  the  open  shop.^*^^  Another  one,  the  International 
Association  of  Employing  Electrotypers,  negotiated,  in  19 13, 
an  arbitration  agreement  similar  to  that  of  the  American 
Newspaper  Publishers'  Association. ^^'^  The  International 
Association  of  Manufacturing  Photo-Engravers,  a  revived 
organization,  has  been  mainly  concerned  with  costs.^®* 
Likewise,  the  International  Association  of  Employing  Elec- 
trotypers has  given  considerable  attention  to  cost  systems.^®' 
The  Employing  Photo-Engravers'  Association  of  America 
however,  has  generally  been  an  open-shop  organization,'*^" 
while  the  American  Photo-Engravers'  Association  of 
America  joined  with  the  International  Photo-Engravers' 
Union  in  forming  a  "  Photo-Engravers'  Joint  Industrial 


The  United  Typothetcs  of  America  283 

Council,"  ^'^  somewhat  similar  to  the  International  Joint 
Conference  Council  described  above,  and  with  which  the 
two  organizations  were  connected  for  a  time.  A  discussion 
of  all  these  associations  would  cover  again  certain  points 
already  developed  in  the  study  of  the  A.  'N-.  P.  A.  and  the  U. 
T.  A.,  and,  although  it  would  bring  out  characteristics  and 
activities  peculiar  to  each,  these  peculiarities  are  not  of  sufifi- 
cient  moment  to  merit  an  extended  treatment  here,  since  the 
two  associations  studied  are  fairly  typical  of  the  other  asso- 
ciations in  the  printing  industry  in  regard  to  their  methods 
of  handling  labor  problems  and  in  their  attitude  toward 
prices  and  commercial  practices. 

REFERENCES 

ID  '20  Typotheta  Bulletin,  p.  25;  (Formerly  called  The  Bulletin  of 
the  United  Typothetae  of  America)  (Abbreviated  D  '20  Bui)  ;  See 
also  Memoranda  of  the  Department  of  Industrial  Relations  of  the  U. 
T.  A.,  January  5,  1921,  (Abv  Memoranda)  ;  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  . 
Annual  Convention  of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America,  1920,  p.  9. 
134,  194-195,  (Sometime  United  Typothetae  and  Franklin  Clubs  of 
America,)  (Abv  '20  U  T  A)  ;  My  '20  Bui  2;  N  '20  Bui  30;  Industrial 
Relations,  Final  Report  and  Testimony,  U.  S.  Commission  on  Industrial 
Relations,  p.  609,  (Abv  Ind  Rel).  ^  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  United 
Typothetae  of  America  (1920),  p.  10  (Abv  Const);  '16  U  T  A  161; 
'20  U  T  A  193.  3  Memoranda ;  See  also  20  U  T  A  10,  35.  *  Const  3, 
11-12,  see  also  2;  '20  U  T  A  8-9,  35.  36,  39,  119,  131,  193,  194-195;  '96  U 
T  A  151-153;  '00  U  T  A  68,  269-270;  '16  U  T  A  II,  122-123,  162;  D  '19 
Bui  10;  '19  U  T  A  10.  ^  Const  13-14.  ^ '20  U  T  A  9,  130-131,  195;  My 
'20  Bui  I ;  N  '20  Bui  30.  7  Const  8;  '20  U  T  A  193.  s  Ap  'n  Bui  6; 
See  also  D  '19  Bui  7-8;  Const  9.  » '12  U  T  A  378;  Const  (1919)  21-23; 
Const  (1920)  6.  10  '04  U  T  A  19.  "  '04  U  T  A  99.  12  Const  6;  '20  U 
T  A  192.  13  Const  (1919)  22-24;  '12  U  T  A  278-379;  '14  U  T  A  324. 
"'04  U  T  A  18-19;  Const  (1919)  22-24.  ^'''ii  U  T  A  94.  is  The 
United  Typothetae  of  America  What  It  Is  and  What  It  Stands  For,  p. 
I,  (Abv  What  ).  i^ '09  U  T*  A  69;  '11  U  T  A  8;  '17  U  T  A  42,  119; 
'18  U  T  A  53,  11S-116;  Ind  Rel  609.  is '08  U  T  A  8;  See  also  Jl  '10 
American  Printer  667-670.  i»  Value  of  Organization  4.  20  'gg  u  T  A 
26.  2i'ii  U  T  A96;  Seealso  Ap 'II  Bui  6.  22'iiUTA8.  23 'gg  u 
T  A  10,  30,  75;  '90  U  T  A  99;  '91  U  T  A  11,  36,  158;  '92  U  T  A  21,  22, 
31,  Z7,  82,  85,  88,  96;  '93  U  T  A  59.  87;  '95  U  T  A  34;  '97  U  T  A  17;  '98 


284         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

U  T  A  17,  48-63,  67-78,  92,  97-113,  140,  183.  24  '04  U  T  A  23,  see  also 
79,  152.  25  '04  U  T  A  23-24,  152.  2«  'OS  U  T  A  63-64,  77.  27  '07  U  T  A 
8-9;  Proceedings  of  the  ...  Annual  Convention  of  the  National 
Association  of  Manufacturers,  1907,  p.  107,  (Abv.  '07  N  A  M)  ;  [Pro- 
ceedings of  the]  First  Convention  of  the  Printers'  League  of  America, 
1909,  p.  3,  (Abv.  '09  P  L  A)  ;  Progress  in  Industrial  Freedom  in  1906, 
pp.  9-10.  28  '06  U  T  A  25 ;  '07  U  T  A  79,  83 ;  '09  U  T  A  25-26.  29  '19 
U  T  A  121 ;  '20  U  T  A  I,  130,  133,  134;  Au  20  Bui  i,  2,  3 ;  S  '20  Bui  i ; 
N  '20  Bui  6.  30  Fourth  Biennial  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  Labor  of  the 
State  of  Minnesota,  1893-94,  p.  369.  3i '04  U  T  A  78;  Anti-Injunction 
Bill,  Complete  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary,  U.  S. 
House  of  Representatives,  1904,  p.  178,  (Abv  '04  H  I  H).  32  '04  U  T  A 
63.  33 '04  U  T  A  120-125.  34 '04  U  T  A  152-153;  See  also  Jl  (15)  '04 
American  Industries  12,  (Abv  Am  Ind).  35  '04  U  T  A  154.  36  '04  u  T 
A  162.  37  '08  U  T  A  16.  38  '12  U  T  A  29;  '14  U  T  A  41.  3o  'pg  u  T  A 
20,  141.  *o'99  U  T  A  27,  31,  III,  120;  '00  U  T  A  77;  '01  U  T  A  60-71, 
193,  195,  249;  '02  U  T  A  170;  '03  U  T  A  89,  94;  '05  U  T  A  69;  '08  U  T 
A  25.  41  '04  U  T  A  46-51.  *2  '03  U  T  A  89-95 ;  '04  U  T  A  69;  '06  U  T 
A  48;  '07  U  T  A  82.  43  '03  U  T  A  83-87 ;  '05  U  T  A  69.  *"  '08  U  T  A 
25.  *^  The  Union  Label,  Its  Requirement  Upon  Public  Printing  Illegal 
as  Class  Legislation  and  Therefore  Unconstitutional,  1906,  (Abv  Union 
Label)  ;  See  also  The  Union  Label  and  Some  Facts  Regarding  Ar- 
bitrary Unionism,  (an  earlier  edition)  ;  '06  U  T  A  23-25 ;  '07  U  T  A  76. 
46  '08  U  T  A  25.  47  '08  U  T  A  65.  48  Union  Label  109.  49  '08  U  T  A 
67-68.  50  '08  U  T  A  66-67.  51  F  'og  Bui  2-3,  6 ;  D  '19  Bui  7-8 ;  Const  6 ; 
'20  U  T  A  177,  180,  182,  183,  184,  186.  52  '06  U  T  A  18,  52-54;  '09  U  T  A 
110.  53  ja  '09  Bui  12.  54'o8  U  T  A  25-26.  55  '08  U  T  A  59.  56  '09  U 
T  A  29.  57  'og  U  T  A  112.  58  '04  U  T  A  12.  59  '04  U  T  A  97-98.  eo 
'04  U  T  A  65-77.  "  '04  U  T  A  81,  86.  62  '09  U  T  A  114-116.  «3  The 
Bureau  of  Industrial  Relations,  a  New^  Service  to  Members;  '19  U  T  A 
IS,  33;  N  '20  Bui  16-17,  22.  64  The  Department  of  Industrial  Relations, 
(Abv  D  I  R).  65D  I  R:  '20  U  T  A  23,  26;  Reports  themselves;  See 
also  '19  U  T  A  22,  34-38;  S  '20  Bui  14-15.  ee  My  '20  Bui  3 ;  '20  U  T  A 
10,  23-24;  D  '20  Bui  14,  18-23;  F  '21  Bi|  5-7,  13.  «7  D  '19  Bui  5 ;  '20  U 
T  A  24,  26.  68  Pamphlet  itself;  N  '20  Bui  9,  see  also  8-9;  F  '21  Bui  22- 
24.  68  My  '20  Bui  3 ;  Monthly  News  Letter,  ^o  Je  '20  Bui  Supplement ; 
Jl  '20  Bui  SuM).,  etc.  71  D  I  R ;  Ja  '21  Bui  25 ;  See  also  '20  U  T  A  24. 
72 '20  U  T  A  24;  My  '20  Bui  3.  73-04  U  T  A  52.  74-04  U  T  A  142. 
75  '04  U  T  A  146.  76  '06  U  T  A  13.  77  '08  U  T  A  14,  18;  See  also  '06  U 
T  A  47.  78  -08  U  T  A  59.  79  Ja  'og  Bui  9.  so  '09  U  T  A  23,  57,  in ; 
Ja  '09  Bui  lo-ii.  8IF  'II  Bui  12;  S  'II  Bui  53;  O  'n  Bui  75;  N  '12  Bui 
115;  Je  '13  Bui  285;  Jl  '13  Bui  38;  Au  '13  Bui  38,  39;  Ap  '14  Bui  40,  43; 
Je  '14  Bui  40-41.  82 '12  U  T  A  152;  '18  U  T  A  22.  83  ji  13  BuI  38. 
84 '13  U  T  A  23-24;  F  '15  Bui  40;  '20  U  T  A  177,  180,  182,  184,  186. 
85  Jl  '10  Union  Labor  Advocate  11 ;  Cf  '20  U  T  A  24.  86  '04  u  T  A  79. 
87  '04  U  T  A  80,  84 ;  See  also  Ind  Rel  610.     88  '04  U  T  A  78.     89  -06  U  T 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  285 

A  1S-16.  «•<>  '07  U  T  A  76.  «i  '04  U  T  A  SI,  54-63,  66,  &;,  69,  78-80,  84. 
»2'oo  U  T  A  25-26,  42-43,  58-65,  86-87,  102-150,  165,  176-189;  '01  U  T  A 
13-14,  23-29,  51-59,  105-112,  156-166,  190,  237,  240,  249-251;  '02  U  T  A 
15-16,  97,  157;  '03  U  T  A  13,  98.  »3'o4  U  T  A  16,  44,  80,  109-110,  183. 
»*  '04  U  T  A  183-184;  '08  U  T  A  133-134.  »5  '09  U  T  A  154.  »6  -„  u  T 
A  288-296.  87  '04  U  T  A  13.  98 '04  U  T  A  106;  Const  (1905)  2;  '08 
U  T  A  126-127;  '09  U  T  A  148;  '10  U  T  A  202.  »» '11  U  T  A  289;  See 
also  '13  U  T  A  17;  Const  9-  "°  '08  U  T  A  16.  "^  '09  U  T  A  25,  45- 
85;  '10  U  T  A  19,  28-48,  66-78,  81 -97-  "2  [Proceedings  of]  The  First 
Annual  Convention  of  the  Ben  Franklin  Clubs  of  America,  191 1,  p.  6, 
(Abv  B  F  C  A).  103 'II  u  T  A  71,  83;  '12  U  T  A  46-48,  154-155,  162; 
Au  '13  Bui  46-47.  104  Interview.  "^  A  Heart  to  Heart  Talk  About 
the  Most  Progressive  Organization  in  Printerdom,  3,  (Abv  Heart). 
108  What  I.  107 '13  U  T  A  10-12;  '14  U  T  A  32-33;  Au  '14  Bui  i.  lo* 
Ind  Rel  683;  '09  P  L  A  3,  see  also  10-24.  ^°' Jl  (7)  'i7  Letter,  Printers' 
League  of  America,  no  '20  U  T  A  i,  8,  10,  26-29,  120,  130-131.  m  '96 
U  T  A  29-44;  '90  U  T  A  9,  89;  '93  U  T  A  104,  108,  115;  '97  U  T  A  53; 
'99  U  T  A  73,  75-100.  112  '04  H  I  H  183 ;  '04  U  T  A  10;  '08  U  T  A  8; 
Ind  Rel  611-614.  na  '04  U  T  A  24-27;  See  also  '03  U  T  A  119,  123,  138. 
"♦  '04  U  T  A  84-85.  115  '04  U  T  A  17-18.  "«  '04  U  T  A  52,  65,  69,  70. 
w^Ja '12  Bui  151-152.  118  Const  22-23 ;  '20  U  T  A  199.  "» '08  U  T  A 
15.  120  '09  U  T  A  87-88,  see  also  100-105.  121  '09  U  T  A  47-48.  "2  '09 
U  T  A  58.  i23Ja'iiBul9  12*  Ja '11  Bui  11.  12^  F '11  Bui  6.  "eje 
•11  Bul\  17-18;  Jl  '11  Bui  21.  127  '12  U  T  A  37,  182-191.  128  '96  U  T  A 
71-74.  129  Au  '13  Bui  25-26.  130  S  '14  Bui  28-29  131 '14  U  T  A  101- 
115 ;  N  '14  Bui  40-44,  66.  i32  N  '14  Bui  52-53,  58,  59,  67.  i33  Ja  '15  Bui 
26-27.  134  N  '14  Bui  14-IS ;  Ja  '15  Bui  24-25 ;  '14  U  T  A  94-101.  i35  Jl 
(16)  '06  Am  Ind  4;  My  (i)  '06  Am  Ind  5.  "« '08  U  T  A  52;  '09  U  T  A 
88;  'loU  T  A  173-174;  'n  UT  A  100;  F  '15  Bui  31 ;  '19  U  T  A  125;  '20 
U  T  A  79-80.  13-  '10  U  T  A  131 ;  Cf  '20  U  T  A  74.  i38  Ap  '11  Bui  1-4; 
My  '20  Bui  20;  '20  U  T  A  79-80.  i39  My  '14  Bui  35,  see  also  7.  "O  Ja  '15 
Bui  13 ;  '16  U  T  A  74-75.  1*1  Ja  '13  Bui  cover.  1*2  '12  U  T  A  142 ;  '13  U 
T  A  101.  143 '16UT  A76;  Ja'15  Bui  13;  and  other  Bui,  191 1-1915.  1** 
'13  U  T  A  101 ;  '12  U  T  A  392;  '18  U  T  A  124;  '19  U  T  A  126-127.  i« 
'06  U  T  A  101-103; '11  U  T  A  no.  146 '09U  T  A  90-91,  131-133.  i*^ '10 
U  T  A  190-192;  Jl  '17  Bui  17;  See  also  Au  '20  Bui  7  1*8 '11  U  T  A  129. 
149 '12  U  T  A  148-151;  '13  U  T  A  204-205;  '14  U  t  A  262;  '16  U  T  A 
73;  '17  U  T  A  109;  '18  U  T  A  throughout;  '19  U  T  A  127.  S  '12  Bui 
51 ;  N  '14  Bui  66.  i^o  '12  U  T  A  143.  "i  S  '12  Bui  56 ;  D  '12  Bui  145 ;  . 
'13  U  T  A  24,  49-50,  97-103,  204;  14  U  T  A  17-18,  262-277;  Ja  '13  Bui 
168;  Jl  '13  Bui  17-48;  Mr  '14  Bui  3-4;  Ap  '14  Bui  44;  My  '14  Bui  7;  Ja 
'is  Bui  18;  '16  U  T  A  104:  '19  U  T  A  126.  i" '10  U  T  A  173-174.  "' 
'08  U  T  A  52.  1^4  '09  U  T  A  123-124.  1"  Ja  '15  Bui  13,  17;  16  U  T  A 
74;  '17  U  T  A  95-99;  '18  U  T  A  123-124.  156  Ja  '15  Bui  13-14;  Mr  '15 
Bui  20;  Je  '16  Bui  14-19;  *i6  U  T  A  74;  My  '20  Bui  9-14,  20;  jl  '20  Bui 
6.    1"   Au  '13  Bui  14;  S  '14  Bui  6;  Jl  17  Bui  17;  Au  '17  Bui  14-15;  '20 


286  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

U  T  A  9,  13,  73-74,  77.  158  '20  U  T  A  176.  159  '10  U  T  A  141 ;  see  also 
131,  141-144;  '14  U  T  A  277;  My  '14  Bui  7.  i«o'i6  U  T  A  77,  103;  Jl 
'17  Bui  16;  '17  U  T  A  101 ;  '18  U  T  A  131 ;  '19  U  T  A  128.  i^i  Au  '13 
Bui  8.  i«2  My  '14  Bul  40-41 ;  '14  U  T  A  285.  i^^  Au  '13  Bul  8.  18*  My 
'14  Bul  41 ;  S  '14  Bul  54.  165  My(i)'o6  Am  Ind  8;  '08  U  T  A  18.  "e  Jl 
'13  Bul  18;  Au  '13  Bul  6-7;  '16  U  T  A  138.  is^  Mr  '14  Bul  49;  S  '14  Bul 
51 ;  N  '14  Bul  62;  '14  U  T  A  285-290;  See  also  Ap(i6)'o6  Am  Ind  13. 
i«8  ja  'is  Bul  IS-17.  169  My  '14  Bul  41 ;  Ja  '15  Bul  18;  See  also  Ap(i6) 
'06  Am  Ind  13.  ""  O  '13  Bul  42.  i^i  '04  U  T  A  148;  '14  U  T  A  278-281, 
287;  My  (i)  '06  Am  Ind  5;  My  '14  Bul  41;  S  '14  Bul  15,  25-27;  My  '20 
Bul  20;  Jl  '20  Bul  II ;  '17  U  T  A  99;  '18  U  T  A  128;  '20  U  T  A  13,  74- 
75,  84-89.  1*2 '16  U  T  A  76-77;  D  '12  Bul  146;  '17  U  T  A  100;  '18  U  T 
A  129;  My  '20  Bul  20;  '20  U  T  A  13,  74-75,  84-8^.  "3 '16  U  T  A  152. 
"4 '04  U  T  A  53,  65,  68,  148,  149-150;  '08  U  T  A  11,  17;  '13  U  T  A  34- 
65;  101-102,  180-181,  205;  '14  U  T  A  287-288;  Ap  '14  Bul  7;  My  '14  Bul 
39,  41 ;  S  '14  Bul  25-27;  N  '14  Bul  18;  F-Mr  '20  Bul  18;  My  '20  Bul  18- 
19.  175  '87  U  T  A  21 ;  '89  U  T  A  62;  '92  U  T  A  157;  '94  U  T  A  32,  72; 
'95  U  T  A  68,  82;  '02  U  T  A  loi ;  '03  U  T  A  99,  129-130,  172-173;  '04 
U  T  A  148,  149-150;  '06  U  T  A  46 ;  '13  U  T  A  33-65,  204-205 ;  '14  U  T  A 
274-290;  '12  U  T  A66;  O  '12  Bul  96;  D  '12  Bul  138-139;  Ja '13  Bul  168; 
'88  U  T  A  72 ;  '10  U  T  A  144-145  ;  '16  U  T  A  80,  92 ;  '17  U  T  A  17 ;  '19  U 
T  A  15-16,  22;  Au  '20  Bul  II ;  20  U  T  A  10,  17,  65-73,  116,  140-141,  156; 
'18  U  T  A  134;  My  '14  Bul  8;  S  '20  Bul  11 ;  N  '20  Bul  7,  21,  23;  Jl  '14 
Bul  8,  38;  Ap  '15  Bul  20-21 ;  N  '14  Bul  62;  Mr  '15  Bul  18-20;  Jl  '20  Bul 
lo-ii,  12.  176 '16  U  T  A  78-79;  Au  '17  Bul  15-16;  '17  U  T  A  31,  101-103; 
'18  U  T  A  37;  Au  '20  Bul  II.  177 '17  U  T  A  103-105;  '18  U  T  A  136; 
19  U  T  A  18;  Jl  '20  Bul  s,  '20  U  T  A  13,  17,  65-72,  90-91,  157;  S  '20 
Bul  I ;  N  '20  Bul  I.  178  '18  U  T  A  179;  Pamphlet  itself;  '20  U  T  A  73 
179  '04  U  T  A  II.  180  '04  U  T  A  34-41 ;  '04  H  I  H  178-183.  isi  '04  H  f 
H  182.  182  '96  U  T  A  46-49,  63-67 ;  '13  U  T  A  205-206;  '14  U  T  A  239- 
240;  F  '15  Bul  38.  183  Mr  '14  Bul  36.  is*  S  '14  Bul  2.  iss  D  '12  Bul 
139;  '14  U  T  A  32-33;  '17  U  T  A  78-84;  '18  U  T  A  165-167.  186*19  U  T 
A  133.  187  Je  '16  Bul  28-29;  Revenue  to  Defray  War  Expenses, 
Hearings  and  Briefs  before  the  Committee  on  Finance,  U.  S.  Senate  on 
H  R  4280,  191 7,  pp.  468-470.  188  List  of  Associations  Represented  by 
James  A.  Emery.  i89  '07  U  T  A  appendix  29-65 ;  '08  U  T  A  8-9,  57 ;  O 
(15)  '07  Am  Ind  15 ;  N  (i)  '07  Am  Ind  11 ;  See  also  Ind  Rel  613,  614-615. 
190 '04  U  T  A  54-59;  Certain  Injunctions  and  Labor  Cases,  Senate 
Document  No.  504,  6oth  Congress,  pp.  1-3.  i9i  D  '20  Bul  27.  "2 
Articles  of  Association  and  Rules  and  Regulations  Governing  the  Open 
Shop  Division  of  the  United  Typothetse  of  America,  Adopted  Sept.  3, 

1912,  Amended  Oct.  21,  1913,  Oct.  6,  1914,  p.  2,  (Abv  Open)  ; Same, 

Closed  Shop  Division,  Adopted  Sept.  13,  1916,  pp,  1-2,  (Abv  Closed). 
198  Open  2.    194  Ap  (24)  '15  Letter,  Open  Shop  Division.     i95  Ap  (24) 


The  United  Typothetce  of  America  287 

'is  Letter,  O.  S.  D. ;  See  also  Articles  of  Association  and  Rules  and 
Regulations  of  the  Employing  Printers  of  America,  p,  11,  (Abv  EPA); 
Open  9.  i8«0pen  3-4;  Closed  2-3;  E  PA  4-5.  "^  Closed  2-3.  la* 
Open  6-8 ;  Closed  6.  i^o  Open  3 ;  Closed  2.  200  Closed  2,  see  also  4.  201 
Closed  7.  202  Closed  6.  203  Open  3-4,  7,  etc. ;  Closed  2-3.  204  open  2-3. 
206  '15  U  T  A  203-228;  '17  U  T  A  10,  107;  '18  U  T  A  17,  45 ;  '19  U  T  A 
12-13;  N  (10)  '20  Letter  O  S  D.  2»6  '15  u  T  A  203-228.  20T  '19  U  T  A 
15.  208  '20  U  T  A  1,  36.  209  '20  U  T  A  I,  133 ;  International  Joint  Con- 
ference Council  of  the  Commercial  and  Periodical  Branches  Printing 
Industry,  Constitution  and  Activities,  pp.  27-28,  (Abv  I  J  C  C) ; 
D  '19  Bui  8;  Au  '20  Bui  1-3.  210  '19  U  T  A  13.  211  p-Mr  '20  Bui  3; 
See  also  Au  '20  Bui  6.  212  Const  9;  N  (10)  '20  Letter  O  S  D;  Mr 
(22)  '21  Letter;  See  also  Au  '20  Bui  1-2.  213  Const  9;  '20  U  T  A 
133-  193.  214  Const  9,  see  also  8.  215E  P  A  3;  See  also  Open  2, 
218  E  P  A  5.  217  E  p  A  4-5.  218  '20  U  T  A  134 ;  Const  8.  210  e  P  A 
lo-ii;  See  also  Open  8-9.  220  e  P  A  6-7.  221  e  P  A  8-9;  See 
also  13;  Ja  '21  Bui  25,  27.  222E  p  A  4  223E  P  A  12;  Open  lo-ii. 
224  e  P  A  12 ;  Open  10.  225  e  p  A  8 ;  Open  7.  226  EPA  8-9 ;  Open 
7-8.  227  E  P  A  11-12;  Open  9-10.  228 'ig  U  T  A  219;  '20  U  T  A  131, 
134;  Const  8-9.  229  ji  (7)  '17  Letter,  Printers'  League  of  America; 
See  also  Ind  Rel  683,  697.  230  Constitution  of  the  Closed  Shop  Divi- 
sion of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America,  1921,  pp. 1-2  (Abv  Const 
C  S  D).  231  Const  C  S  D  2-4.  232  '20  U  T  A  i,  36.  233  Const  C  S  D 
6.  234  Const  C  S  D  7.  235  Const  C  S  D  4-5.  230  Const  C  S  D  4 ;  '20 
U  T  A  134.  237  Const  C  S  D  2.  238  i  j  c  C  s-io;  See  also  Inter- 
national Joint  Conference  Council  [Constitution]  : Same,  His- 
torical Sketch;  My  '20  Bui  18-19.  239  i  j  c  C  6.  240  j  j  c  C  14-26. 
2*1 1  J  C  C  II,  19-20.  242  I  J  c  C  20-21.  243  'II  U  T  A  83;  'II  B  F  C 
A  68;  Heart  3;  '12  U  T  A  46-48,  154-155,  162;  Au  '13  Bui  46;  Au  '14 
Bui  I.  244  Mr  '14  Bui  36.  245  ji  'ij  Bui  22;  '13  U  T  A  219-220. 
24a  '09  U  T  A  58.  247  Ja  '13  Bui  162.  248  s  '12  Bui  55 ;  Ja  '13  Bui  166-167 ; 
S  '14  Bui  42-43;  N  '14  Bui  50-51;  Ja  '15  Bui  48-49;  Mr  '15  Bui  28. 
2" '04  U  T  A  42-43;  Proceedings  of  the  Adjourned  Session  of  the 
First  Convention  of  the  Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of  America 
Held  in  Indianapolis,  February  22  and  23,  1904,  pp.  36,  38,  39,  40,  41 ; 
See  also  '07  U  T  A  87-98.  2ao  See  List  of  Associations  Represented  by 
James  A.  Emery,  zsi '06  U  T  A  6,  21,  32,  49.  *''2 '02  U  T  A  176-181; 
'03  U  T  A  54;  '04  U  T  A  34-43;  '04  H  I  H  i78ff.  253  '07  U  T  A  6-7, 
73-74,  78-79.  254 '11  u  T  A  23.  25«  Interviews ;  See  N  '14  Square 
Deal  294,  256  '04  U  T  A  42-43.  "7  '07  N  A  M  121 ;  '08  U  T  A  51 ; 
'09  U  T  A  124;  D  '12  Bui  138;  N  '14  Bui  34.  258 '12  U  T  A  266,  327; 
See  also  '16  U  T  A  13.  2m'i5  U  T  A  43;  '16  U  T  A 
II,  81.  260  '19  U  T  A  10.  261  '04  U  T  A  44-45.  152;  '09  U  T  A  10,  57. 
262  My  '20  Bui  3.  263  '96  U  T  A  50-51.  264  '02  U  T  A  38,  160;  '04  U  T 
A  127;  '08  U  T  A  41 ;  See  also  '14  U  T  A  56,  295;  '16  U  T  A  13-14. 
285  '96  U  T  A  250-255 ;  '04  U  T  A  187-195 ;  '12  U  T  A  380-385 ;  On  other 
contrasts,  see  JI  (15)   '15  Letter,  A  N  P  A.    266  jhe  Unions  vs  the 


288  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Principles  of  Conference  and  Arbitration,  throughout;  Jl  'lo  American 
Printer  674;  Au  (15)  '06  Am  Ind  10;  F  (15)  '07  Am  Ind  16;  Jl  (15) 
'07  Am  Ind  8.  ^e?  Agreement  itself.  268  Bulletins  of  this  Association; 
Jl  '10  American  Printer  674-675.  269  Report  of  Convention  of  the 
International  Association  of  Employing  Electrotypers,  1912,  throughout. 
270  Constitution  of  the  Employing  Photo-Engravers'  Association  of 
America,  p.  2.  271  Officers'  Reports,  International  Photo  Engravers' 
Union  and  Convention  Proceedings,  21st  Annual  Convention,  1920,  pp. 
45-49- 


PART  IV 

ASSOCIATIONS  IN  THE  FIELDS  OF 

PROPAGANDA,  LEGISLATION, 

AND  LITIGATION 


CHAPTER  X 

TH[E  NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF 
MANUFACTURES 

As  an  illustration  of  the  type  of  associations  which  oppose 
unions  in  fields  other  than  in  combating  strikes,  the 
National  Association  of  Manufacturers  may  well  be  re- 
garded as  the  best  representative,  since  it  is  the  largest 
body  of  its  type.  It  has  been  more  active  over  a  wider  field 
than  any  other  similar  organization,  and  it  has  enrolled  as 
its  leaders  many  of  the  most  prominent  opponents  of  present- 
day  unionism. 

Membership. —  The  National  Association  of  Manufac- 
turers of  the  United  States  of  America  has,  in  the  United 
States  over  5000  active  and  associate  members.  It  claims 
that  the  stockholders  of  the  member  concerns  number  over  a 
million ;  that  it  thus  represents  over  twelve  billion  dollars  of 
invested  capital;  ^  and  that  it  has  "  a  membership  of  5700  of 
the  leading  manufacturers  of  the  country,  employing  more 
than  6,ooo,cxx)  persons  and  producing  between  seventy-five 
and  eighty  per  cent  of  the  total  output  of  manufactured 
products  in  this  country."  ^ 

The  character  of  the  membership,  as  stated  in  1904,  is 
probably  true  today  —  mostly  large  manufacturers,  some 
trusts  and  a  few  small  manufacturers :  "  The  National  Asso- 
ciation [of  Manufacturers]  is  for  the  most  part  composed  of 
average  manufacturers.  Though  many  of  the  great  combi- 
nations are  represented  here,  they  are  rather  as  survivors  of 
memberships  taken  by  their  constituent  concerns  in  the  past. 
The  great  combinations  have  taken  no  very  active  part  and 
no  very  deep  interest  in  our  Association.  The  life  of  it,  the 
vitality  of  it,  depends  upon  the  average  man."  ^  A  great 
majority  of  the  members  are  in  the  active  class,  which  com- 
prises individuals,  firms  and  corporations  engaged  in  manu- 
facturing in  the  United  States.'^     Associate  members  are 

291 


292  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

others  individuals,  firms  and  corporations  not  so  engaged. 
All  members  pay  annual  dues  of  $50.  The  Association  has 
incorporated  under  the  laws  of  New  York  (September, 
1905).  It  "  is  not  organized  for  pecuniary  benefit,"  and  so 
cannot  make  or  declare  dividends.^ 

Strength  of  Association. —  The  Association  has  been 
appraised  by  one  of  its  officers  as  "  the  most  powerful  body 
of  business  men  which  has  ever  been  organized  in  any  land, 
or  in  any  age."  ®  The  strength  of  the  Association,  however, 
lies  more  in  the  capital  and  the  workmen  employed  than  in 
the  number  of  manufacturers  who  are  members  relative 
to  those  who  are  not,''^  for  we  find  members  complaining 
about  the  minority  representation  of  the  Association,  thus : 

"  We  claim  that  we  are  a  strong  organization  of  3,600 
members;  but  what  are  3,600  members  in  an  organization,  to 
accomplish  the  result  we  are  trying  to  attain?  We  are  a  mere 
minimum.  There  are  thousands  of  manufacturers  in  this 
country."  * 

"  We  have  as  yet  but  a  very  small  percentage  of  the  total 
number  of  manufacturers  in  the  United  States  who  ought  to  be 
members  of  this  Association.  There  are  5,000  manufacturers 
in  the  State  of  Michigan  who  ought  to  be  represented  here,  and 
if  you  had  ten  per  cent  of  that  membership  in  the  State  of 
Michigan,  I  can  assure  you  that  in  matters  of  legislation  and  in 
matters  of  public  and  industrial  interest  we  would  have  less  to 
complain  about  than  we  now  have,  especially  in  legislative 
matters.  The  result  is  that  we  are  looked  upon  as  a  sort  of 
fragmentary  body.  We  -have  able  officers,  but  we  lack 
numbers."  ^ 

Government. —  In  the  government  of  the  Association 
only  a  few*  of  its  members  take  part,^°  at  any  rate  in  so  far 

*  A  quotation  on  this  point  will  show  that  Aissociation  officials  frankly 
admit  that  this  is  the  case:  "In  the  course  of  business  here  in  this 
Association  we  find  many  queer  things.  For  instance,  I  see  before  me 
a  man  who,  one  evening,  we  had  decided  to  elect  President  of  this 
Association  the  next  day.  The  inner  circle  had  said:  'He  is  the 
man.'  The  then  President  had  said  that  it  was  all  right,  and  that  he 
would  be  the  man.  But  something  went  wrong  over  night,  and  the 
next  morning  another  man   was  elected."    The  man  upon  whom  the 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         293 

as  we  may  judge  from  the  attendance  and  representation  at 
the  conventions  as  indications  of  a  deep  interest  by  members 
in  the  affairs  of  the  organization.  At  the  19 10  conven- 
tion, when  the  committee  on  credentials  reported,  only  102 
delegates  were  present  in  person,  305  were  represented  by 
proxies,  so  the  total  representation  was  only  407.  On  the 
morning  of  the  second  day  of  the  convention  in  1916,  only 
182  members  were  present,  the  proxies  were  207,  a  total  of 
389.  In  191 8,  there  were  respectively  120  and  319,  a  total 
of  511;  and  in  1919,  correspondingly,  194,  562,  and  756. 
At  the  entire  convention  of  19 19,  there  were  only  348  dele- 
gates and  565  proxies.  In  1920,  however,  an  attendance  of 
300  delegates  was  recorded  on  the  second  morning,  amd  700 
for  the  entire  convention,  while  1200  were  represented  by 
proxies."  In  191 2  a  member  complained  because  the  at- 
tendance was  so  small,  "only  a  corporal's  guard  of  150 
men  at  the  initial  meetings,  and  probably  not  to  exceed  400 
total  attendance  at  the  convention."  ^^  Similar  complaints 
have  been  made  at  other  times,  and  by  various  members." 
It  is,  then,  fairly  apparent  that  the  conduct  of  the  affairs  of 
the  Association  is  in  the  hands  of  a  few  manufacturers, 
who  in  the  annual  convention  decide  on  the  work  to  be 
carried  on,  and  elect  the  directors.^*  Furthermore,  the 
Constitution  provides  that  "  Five  per  cent  of  the  member- 
ship, represented  in  person  or  by  proxy,  shall  constitute  a 
quorum  at  any  meeting  and  in  the  transaction  of  business  a 
majority  vote  of  those  present  shall  decide  except  as  herein 
otherwise  provided."  ^'^  (e.g.  amending  the  Constitution.) 
The  Board  of  Directors  is  the  governing  body  of  the  As- 
sociation.    It  consists  usually  of  about  twenty-one  members, 

honor  was  to  have  been  bestowed  thus  explains,  "  I  would  have 
esteemed  it  an  honor  to  have  followed  the  men  who  had  occupied 
that  position,  but  a  bargain  always  requires  two,  and  at  that  time, 
while  I  was  favored,  there  were  personal  reasons  why  I  was  not  free 
to  entertain  the  proposal,  much  as  I  appreciated  it."  (Proceedings  for 
1920,  pp.  43-44.)     (Italics  mine.) 


294  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

seven  of  whom  are  members  at  large  and  nominated  by  a 
nominating  committee  and  elected  by  the  whole  convention 
adopting  the  report  of  that  committee,  twelve  or  fewer  (the 
Constitution  provides  for  twelve)  elected  as  Vice-Presidents 
from  the  twelve  states  having  the  largest  recorded  member- 
ship in  the  Association  on  the  day  of  the  election,  the  Ex- 
Presidents  of  the  Association,  and  the  President  and  Treas- 
urer, both  of  whom  are  elected  by  the  Board. ^^  The  Board 
not  only  elects  the  President  and  the  Treasurer  but  also  ap- 
points the  Secretary  and  the  Business  Manager,  so  that  all 
such  officers  are  simply  the  executive  officers  of  the  Board.^^ 
It  has  full  power  and  authority  to  put  into  effect  the  laws, 
resolutions  and  decisions  of  the  Association ;  to  make,  alter 
or  amend  the  By-Laws  for  its  own  government  and  that  of 
the  Association,  so  long  as  such  do  not  conflict  with  the  Con- 
stitution ;  to  appoint  an  executive  committee  of  five  from  its 
members,  and  to  delegate  to  such  committee  the  full  powers 
of  the  Board  during  the  interim  between  its  meetings;  to 
fill  all  offices  for  the  unexpired  term  thereof  —  even  vacan- 
cies on  the  Board  itself;  to  appoint  employees  and  other 
agents  of  the  Association  and  define  their  duties,  as  well  as 
the  duties  of  all  officers,  other  than  stated  by  the  Constitu- 
tion; to  exercise  general  supervision  over  the  receipts  and 
expenditures  of  the  Association;  to  fix  the  compensation  of 
the  employees  and  agents  of  the  Association ;  and  finally,  to 
do  all  other  acts  and  things  which  it  may  deem  to  be  to 
the  interest  of  the  Association.^* 

The  real  executive  work  of  the  Association  devolves  upon 
the  Secretary,  and  the  course  of  the  Association  in  specific 
instances  is  determined  by  the  Executive  Committee.^®  The 
President,  formerly  elected,  but  now  appointed  by  the  Board, 
is  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Board,  and  is  largely  a  mouth- 
piece of  the  attitude  of  the  Association,  or  as  Van  Cleave  put 
it,  the  "  figure-head  " ;  ^^  for  "  a  nominal  change  in  leader- 
ship is  no  change  in  policy;  .  .  .  whatever  the  name  of  our 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         295 

general,  we  bear  the  same  banner."  **  Ex-Secretary  Gush- 
ing was  during  his  secretaryship  practically  the  Association 
in  so  far  as  its  legislative  and  political  activities  were  con- 
cerned.^^ The  present  Constitution  provides  that  "  The 
Secretary  shall  have  a  fund  at  his  disposal,  the  amount  of 
which  shall  be  determined  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  and 
shall  submit  to  the  Treasurer  and  the  President  monthly 
statements  of  expenditures  from  said  fund,  which,  when  ap- 
proved by  the  Treasurer  shall  become  a  warrant  on  the  treas- 
ury for  the  replenishment  of  said  fund."  ^^  He  has  general 
supervision  over  the  general  office  and  the  employees  of  the 
Association,^^  of  which  there  are  nearly  sixty  in  the  New 
York  executive  offices.^^ 

Outside  of  the  clerical  work,  most  of  the  activities  of  the 
Association  are  carried  on  by  committees  and  sub-organi- 
zations, nominally  at  least.^'^  The  legislative  and  political 
activities  formerly  carried  on  by  the  Secretary  are  now. 
largely  taken  care  of  by  a  sub-organization,  the  National  In- 
dustrial Council.^*  The  majority  of  the  officers  of  the  sub- 
organization  have  been  the  regular  officers  or  directors  of 
the  Association.^'^  The  committees  of  the  Association  are 
appointed  by  the  President  with  the  approval  of  the  Board  of 
Directors,  unless  other  provision  is  made  as  in  the  case  of  the 
Executive  Committee.^*  These  committees  usually  have  a 
specific  function  to  perform,  for  instance,  the  committee 
made  up  of  Schwedtman  and  Emery  studied  and  reported  on 
accident  prevention  and  relief  in  various  countries.^® 

Objects. —  Let  us  now  turn  our  attention  to  the  aims  of 
the  Association  as  stated  in  its  Constitution: 

"  The  general  objects  and  purposes  for  which  the  said  cor- 
poration is  formed  are,  the  promotion  of  the  industrial  interests 
of  the  United  States,  the  fostering  of  the  domestic  commerce 
of  the  United  States,  the  betterment  of  the  relations  between 
employer  and  employee,  the  protection  of  the  individual  liberty 
and  rights  of  employer  and  employee,  the  education  of  the  public 


296         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

in  the  principles  of  individual  liberty  and  ownership  of  prop- 
erty, the  support  of  legislation  in  furtherance  of  those  prin- 
ciples and  opposition  to  legislation  in  derogation  thereof."  ^^ 

Principles. —  A  further  interpretation  of  these  objects 
and  purposes,  as  they  relate  to  labor  —  for  we  are  concerned 
only  with  the  labor  activities  of  the  Association  —  are  to  be 
found  in  the  Declaration  of  Principles  of  the  Association, 
first  adopted  in  1903,  added  to  in  1904  and  1913,  and  of- 
ficially reafifirmed  in  1907,  19 10  and  1913;^®  and  the  "  Open 
Shop  "  principle  reaffirmed  in  1905,  1914,  1916,  and  1920.'^ 
The  Principles  which  govern  the  activities  of  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  field  of  industrial  relations,  are: 

"  I.  Fair  dealing  is  the  fundamental  and  basic  principle  on 
which  relations  between  employees  and  employers  should  rest. 

"  2.  The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  is  not  op- 
posed to  organizations  of  labor  as  such,  but  it  is  unalterably 
opposed  to  boycotts,  blacklists  and  other  illegal  acts  of  inter- 
ference with  the  personal  liberty  of  employer  or  employee. 

"  3.  No  person  should  be  refused  employment  or  in  any  way 
iiscriminated  against  on  account  of  membership  or  non-member- 
ship in  any  labor  organization,  and  there  should  be  no  dis- 
criminating against  or  interference  with  any  employee  who  is 
not  a  member  of  a  labor  organization  by  members  of  such 
organization. 

"  4.  With  due  regard  to  contracts,  it  is  the  right  of  the  em- 
ployee to  leave  his  employment  whenever  he  sees  fit,  and  it  is 
the  right  of  the  employer  to  discharge  any  employee  when  he 
sees  fit. 

"  5.  Employers  must  be  free  to  employ  their  work  people 
at  wages  mutually  satisfactory,  without  interference  or  dicta- 
tion on  the  part  of  individuals  or  organizations  not  directly 
parties  to  such  contracts. 

"  6.  Employers  must  be  unmolested  and  unhampered  in  the 
management  of  their  business,  in  determining  the  amount  and 
quality  of  their  product,  and  in  the  use  of  any  methods  or 
systems  of  pay  which  are  just  and  equitable. 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         297 

"  7.  In  the  interest  of  employees  and  employers  of  the 
country,  no  limitation  should  be  placed  upon  the  opportunities 
of  any  person  to  learn  any  trade  to  which  he  or  she  may  be 
adapted. 

"  8.  The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  disapproves 
absolutely  of  strikes  and  lockouts,  and  favors  an  equitable  ad- 
justment of  all  differences  between  employers  and  employees 
by  any  amicable  method  that  will  preserve  the  rights  of  both 
parties. 

"9.  Employees  have  the  right  to  contract  for  their  services 
in  a  collective  capacity,  but  any  contract  that  contains  a  stipula- 
tion that  employment  should  be  denied  to  men  not  parties  to 
the  contract  is  an  invasion  of  the  constitutional  rights  of  the 
American  workman,  is  against  public  policy  and  is  in  violation 
of  the  conspiracy  laws.  This  Association  declares  its  unalter- 
able antagonism  to  the  closed  shop  and  insists  that  the  doors 
of  no  industry  be  closed  against  American  workmen  because 
of  their  membership  or  non-membership  in  any  labor  organiza- 
tion. 

"  10.  The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  pledges  it- 
self to  oppose  any  and  all  legislation  not  in  accord  with  the 
foregoing  declaration."  ^^  * 

The  Convention  of  1904  added  the  ninth  paragraph  to  the 
original  Declaration  of  Principles  and  the  19 13  Convention 
made  the  following  additions  to  the  first  nine  paragraphs, 
while  the  tenth  was  taken  with  changes  from  the  declarations 
below : 

"  First.  We  hold  that  the  inherent  powers  of  our  courts  of 
equity  shall  not  be  abridged  in  the  issuance  of  injunctions  in 
labor  disputes. 

"  Second.  We  hold  that  the  power  vested  in  our  courts  to 
punish  for  contempt  of  court  should  not  be  abridged  by  the 
granting  of  jury  trial  for  contempt. 

"  Third.     We  protest  against  class  legislation,  whether  en- 

*  An  interpretation  of  these  Principles  is  given  in  Mason's  "  How 
American  Manufacturers  View  Employment  Relations,"  also  published 
in  the  Annals  of  the  American  Academy  of  Political  and  Social  Science, 
March,  1919;  also  in  "  Open  Shop  Encyclopedia  for  Debaters,"  pp.  18-20. 


298  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

acted  by  State  Legislatures  or  by  Congress,  and  we  assert  that 
all  forms  of  class  legislation  are  un-American  and  detrimental  to 
our  common  good. 

"  Fourth.  We  pledge  our  loyalty  to  our  Judiciary,  upon  the 
maintenance  of  which,  unswerved  by  passing  clamor,  rests  the 
perpetuation  of  our  laws,  our  institutions  and  our  society. 

"  Fifth.  We  favor  the  further  enactment  of  equitable,  bene- 
ficial and  simplified  workingmen's  compensation  legislation. 

"  Sixth.  We  denounce  the  subserviency  of  representatives 
of  the  whole  people  to  the  dictation  of  any  class  in  the  matter 
of  legislation. 

"  Seventh.  We  affirm,  in  the  light  of  proven  facts,  that  any 
compromise,  toleration  or  identification  with  the  leaders  of 
criminal  unionism  will  stultify  our  liberties  and  weaken  re- 
spect for  our  laws  and  their  just  enforcement. 

"  Eighth.  We  affirm  our  approval  of  the  enactment  of  wise 
and  just  laws,  necessary  to  improve  conditions  of  labor. 

"  Ninth.  We  affirm  that  our  tested,  self -controlled,  rep- 
resentative democracy  is  adequate,  under  our  constitutional 
guarantees,  to  effectuate  the  real  needs  and  purposes  of  our  na- 
tional life. 

"  Tenth.  We  pledge  ourselves  towards  the  accomplishment 
of  the  spirit  and  purpose  of  the  foregoing."  ^^ 

The  character  of  the  faith  of  the  Association  leaders  in 
these  Principles  is  herewith  illustrated  by  a  typical  state- 
ment by  one  of  them : 

"  The  Declaration  of  Principles  of  this  Association,  as  they 
relate  to  the  labor  problem,  are  economically  sound  and  just, 
and  cannot  be  assailed  on  any  sensible  ground.  They  are 
broad  and  liberal  from  the  standpoint  of  humanity,  and  the 
man  who  attacks  them  must  admit  that  he  is  hampered  by  the 
shackles  of  class  prejudice  and  opposed  to  individual  progress 
and  development  through  the  natural  course  of  thrift  and 
energy.  We  ask  for  no  class  privileges,  and  only  insist  that 
none  be  granted  to  others."  ^* 

Evolution. —  In  spite  of  the  satisfaction  thus  expressed 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         299 

with  those  Principles,  the  Association,  in  its  evolution,  seems 
to  favor  changes,  to  say  the  least,  in  the  wording,  of  its  ob- 
jects and  principles.  For  example,  the  Constitution  in  the 
period  from  1904  to  1908  gave  as  the  objects  of  the  Asso- 
ciation in  relation  to  labor  the  following : 

"  The  maintenance  of  individualism.  The  social  and  ma- 
terial welfare  of  all  classes  of  the  people  is  dependent  upon 
the  full  exercise  of  individual  freedom  consistent  with  the 
equal  rights  of  all  and  upon  the  perpetuation  of  the  principle 
of  personal  ownership  which  furnishes  the  rfecessary  incen- 
tive to  individual  effort  and  best  promotes  the  conservation 
of  capital,  the  great  assistant  of  labor. 

"  To  better  the  relations  between  employer  and  employee 
consistent  with  fair  dealing  and  with  the  fundamental  prin- 
ciples of  individual  liberty  and  ownership  in  property  guar- 
anteed by  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.  This  Associa- 
tion is  opposed  to  discrimination  in  the  employment  of  men 
by  reason  of  membership  or  non-membership  in  any  civil, 
political,  religious,  or  fraternal  organization.  It  is  opposed 
to  boycotts,  blacklists  and  all  interferences  with  the  constitu- 
tional rights  of  employer  and  employee.  It  is  opposed  to  re- 
striction of  individual  output,  to  limitation  of  the  number  of 
apprentices,  and  to  all  means  and  policies  that  tend  to  reduce 
the  efficiency  of  the  individual  and  the  productive  capacity  of 
the  nation." »» 

And  President  Van  Cleave,  in  1907,  thus  stated  the  ot>- 
jects  and  principles  of  the  Association:  "No  boycott,  no 
closed  shop,  no  sympathetic  strike,  no  limitation  of  output, 
no  compulsory  use  of  the  union  label,  no  sacrifice  of  the  in- 
dependent workmen  to  the  union,  nor  restriction  as  to  the 
use  of  tools,  machinery  or  materials  except  such  as  are  un- 
safe, no  restrictions  as  to  the  number  of  apprentices  and 
helpers  when  of  proper  age."  ^*  By  this  time,  a  large  num- 
ber of  combative  associations  had  endorsed  or  adopted  these 
principles,  so  President  Van  Cleave  endorsed  and  promul- 
gated them  for  his  Association. 


300  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

The  Association  has  other  objects  and  activities  than 
those  relating  to  labor  matters,  and  its  growth  into  a  com- 
bative, or  somewhat  belligerent  association  until  labor  mat- 
ters were  predominant,  came  slowly  after  the  formation  of 
the  organization,  although  apparently  with  startling  rapidity 
about  1902-03.^'^  But  this  change  of  attitude  was  fore- 
shadowed by  activities  approaching  the  labor  problem  at  an 
indirect  angle.  This  evolution  of  the  Association  is  of  in- 
terest from  the  standpoint  of  the  development  of  organiza- 
tions into  combative  associations,  and  of  the  formation  of 
the  various  sorts  of  combinations  of  employers  imbued  with 
a  degree  of  class  consciousness,  as  well  as  from  the  prom- 
inence that  the  Association  has  received  because  of  its  atti- 
tude and  activities. 

The  Association  resulted  from  an  agitation  for  a  national 
manufacturers'  organization  begun  in  October,  1894,  by  a 
Southern  editor  who  sent  copies  of  his  publication  to  a  large 
number  of  manufacturers  giving  them  reasons  and  asking 
them  to  name  a  place  for  the  meeting  of  manufacturers  to 
form  the  organization.^*  In  1904,  the  following  statement 
was  made  as  to  the  ideals  of  the  founder  of  the  Association: 

"  The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  had  its  origin 
in  .  .  .  the  brain  and  heart  of  .  .  .  Thomas  H.  Martin  .  .  . 
who  .  .  .  conceived  the  idea  that  it  was  time  that  the  manu- 
facturing interests  of  this  country  should  be  organized  and 
consolidated.  Labor  was  already  united,  labor  was  moving 
as  one  man;  labor  in  splendid  phalanx-like  precision  was  mov- 
ing like  an  army  to  the  accomplishment  of  its  great  design. 
Capital  was  disorganized,  had  no  coherent  force,  had  no 
definite,  united  policy  to  interpose  against  the  aggressions  that 
might  be  made  upon  its  interests.  Therefore  he  resolved  that 
the  time  had  come  when  to  be  disorganized  was  to  be  de- 
moralized, and  to  be  demoralized  was  to  be  damned ;  that  the 
discipline  of  an  army  was  no  more  important  than  the  organi- 
zation of  industry."  ^^ 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  301 

The  organization  took  place  on  January  22,  1895,  and  the 
Association  barely  lived  through  the  first  year  of  its  exis- 
tence.^" In  its  early  struggling  years  the  Association  did 
not  show  that  it  was  much  influenced  by  these  ideals,  if 
they  were  the  ideals  of  the  charter  members  as  well  as  of 
the  founder.  But  slow  as  it  was  in  its  attempts  to  attain 
these  ideals,  it  has,  nevertheless,  struggled  toward  them  by 
taking  up  the  labor  question  and  by  trying  to  unite  all  manu- 
facturers into  one  great  organization  and  all  the  employers 
and  their  associations  into  one  harmonious  alliance.'*^ 

Although  the  Association  was  organized  at  a  convention 
held  at  Cincinnati  in  January,  1895,  it  did  not  deal  largely 
with  labor  problems  until  1902. ^^  As  early  as  1897  it 
adopted  in  convention  assembled  a  resolution  urging  "  the 
promotion  of  practical  art,  industrial,  manual  training  or 
other  technical  schools,"  and  discussions  were  held  at  sub- 
sequent conventions  on  the  question  of  the  training  of  skilled 
workers  for  various  trades  by  means  of  commercial  and 
technical  or  trade  schools.  In  1900  the  annual  convention 
adopted  a  resolution  on  this  subject  and  as  a  result,  "  an 
American  Institute  of  Commerce  "  was  formulated  as  a 
national  society  for  the  encouragement  of  commercial  edu- 
cation.*^ But,  it  can  hardly  be  said  that  the  Association 
had  a  definite  labor  policy  under  the  administration  of  Mr. 
Theodore  C.  Search. 

However,  in  1902,  Mr.  Search  was  succeeded  by  Mr. 
D.  M.  Parry,  who  began  his  administration  with  a  definite 
labor  policy.  In  1902  the  Association  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  oppose  the  passage  of  a  national  eight-hour  bill 
for  laborers  on  government  work.*^  At  this  time  the  con- 
flict between  employees  and  employers  was  sharp,  associa- 
tions of  various  sorts  were  being  organized  locally,  and  there 
was  a  distinct  tendency  for  a  number  of  national  associations 
to  become  belligerent.  President  Parry,  in  his  Report  to 
the  convention  in  1903,  made  strong  indictments  of  closed- 


302  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

shop  unionism,  so  strong  that  certain  interests  were  fearful 
that  he  would  precipitate  a  revolution  out  of  the  conflict.^^ 
John  Kirby,  Jr.,  delivered  an  address  full  of  hostility  to 
closed-shop  unionism,  and  a  fight  was  conducted  on  the 
floor  of  the  convention  over  the  adoption  of  a  motion  to 
publish  and  distribute  that  address  widely.  There  had  al- 
ready been  one  bitter  fight  on  the  floor  of  the  convention 
on  the  adoption  of  a  resolution  on  vicious  unionism,  and 
this  was  continued  the  following  day  when  the  belligerent  ele- 
ment won  through  a  substitute  motion  as  they  had  done 
the  previous  day  by  parliamentary  tactics,  and  the  con- 
vention went  on  record  in  favor  of  the  Association  be- 
coming belligerent.'*®  Of  the  persons  composing  the  bel- 
ligerent element,  many  of  them  later  became  prominent  as 
association  leaders,  for  example.  Van  Cleave,  Kirby,  Post, 
and  Ittner.  The  conciliatory  element  seems  to  have  dropped 
out  of  the  Association.  The  1904  List  of  Members  does  not 
contain  the  name  of  the  most  prominent  conciliatory  speaker 
before  the  convention,  Mr.  Samuel  Jones.  Thereafter,  al- 
though there  was  dissent  in  the  convention,  no  strongly  dis- 
senting conciliatory  voice  was  heard. ^^  The  loss  of  con- 
ciliatory members  was  more  than  offset  by  the  addition  of 
belligerent  members  —  the  Association  is  said  to  have 
doubled  its  membership  in  a  year.*^  The  attitude  of  the  As- 
sociation since  then  has  caused  many  persons  to  call  it  a 
"labor-busting"  organization;  in  fact  one  of  its  own 
members,  L.  B.  Robertson  of  the  Ford  Motor  Company,  De- 
troit —  an  open-shop  concern  —  stirred  up  dissent  on  the 
floor  of  the  convention  by  saying  that  the  Association  was 
hostile  to  organized  labor.^^  But  the  Association  leaders 
have  strongly  denied  that  it  has  conducted  a  campaign  to  de- 
stroy unionism,  and  have  even  caused  periodicals  to  retract 
statements  to  that  eflfect,  and  a  President  of  the  United 
States,  Mr.  Taft,  to  reverse  his  belief  in  this  regard.'" 
Attitude  Towards  Unionism. —  The  leaders  of  the  As- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  303 

sociation  have  attempted  numerous  times  to  state  its  at- 
titude towards  organized  labor,  with  the  result  that  we  have 
the  following  declarations : 

"  The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  is  not 
primarily  a  labor-busting  organization.  It  is  true  we  have 
done  much  preventive  work  along  that  line,  but  we  claim  to 
be  and  are  a  boosting  organization."  ^'^ 

"  The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  is  not  fight- 
ing labor  unionism  as  such.  It  is  only  fighting  the  vices  and 
follies  which  have  crept  into  some  of  the  unions  through  their 
ignorant,  corrupt  and  autocratic  leaders."  ^' 

"  We  believe  in  organized  labor.  It  is  the  methods  of  or- 
ganized labor  that  we  oppose,  and  some  of  those  methods  are 
damnable."  " 

"  We  are  not  opposed  to  good  unionism,  if  such  exists  any- 
where. The  American  brand  of  unionism,  however,  is  un- 
American,  illegal  and  indecent,  because  their  constitution  is 
simply  based  on  the  plan  that  '  we  will  rule  you  or  ruin  you.' 
The  manufacturer,  therefore,  has  a  perfect  right  to  discrimi- 
nate against  an  employee  who  is  affiliated  directly  or  indirectly 
with  an  organization  that  resorts  to  these  methods.^* 

"  The  real  and  ideal  union  is  the  one  between  employer  and 
employee."  °' 

"  Open  Shop.  Resolved,  That  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers  does  at  this  convention,  again  reaffirm  its  con- 
demnation of  and  opposition  to  the  Closed  Shop  and  of  every 
form  of  Closed  Shop  agreement,  and  that  we  again  pledge 
our  unalterable  adherence  to  the  principle  of  industrial  freedom 
as  exemplified  by  the  Open  Shop.  The  resolution  was  agreed 
to." »» 

■'■  Since  the  period  that  organized  labor  struck  this  country, 
ninety  per  cent  of  the  strikes  are  to  be  charged  to  organized 
labor."  " 

"  And  now,  having  touched  upon  the  high  places  of  a  few 
of  the  important  questions  of  the  hour,  I  want  to  direct  your 
attention  more  especially  to  the  giant  problem  with  which  we 
must  deal ;  namely,  the  labor  trust."  ^^ 


304  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  Now  I  realize  that  that  question  involves  a  great  principle, 
a  principle  that  should  not  be  fooled  with,  should  not  be 
temporized  with,  should  not  be  compromised.  Not  one  jot, 
not  one  tittle  should  be  given  in  to  that  principle  if  we  are 
going  to  have  America  stay  America."  °^ 

"  Labor  pacts  and  conspiracies  among  labor  leaders,  entered 
upon  for  the  direct  purpose  of  restraining,  controlling, 
harassing  and  persecuting  other  workmen  or  citizens  in  gen- 
eral, are  so  clearly  lawless,  anarchistic  and  dangerous  that  the 
great  body  of  people  who  love  liberty  and  hate  tyranny  must 
perforce  rise  up  and  prepare  for  combat."  *" 

"  Let  the  demonstration  take  place  at  the  earliest  possible 
moment,  so  that  the  country  can  have  a  square  division  on 
this  issue.  .  .  .  Let  the  issue  between  law  and  the  bomb  and 
the  bullet  be  brought  to  a  decisive  test  at  the  earliest  possible 
hour.  The  dynamiter  and  his  instigators  and  apologists  are 
enemies  of  our  social  order.  *  Americanism  must  rule 
America.' "  «^ 

"  '  If  the  reveille  could  be  beaten  and  the  righteous  people 
brought  together  they  would  be  surprised  to  see  what  a 
majority  they  actually  amount  to.'  And  so  if  the  people  in 
this  Government  who  believe  that  only  the  settled,  permanent, 
reasoned  will  of  the  people  should  find  expression  in  law, 
would  "get  together,  they  would  be  a  majority  of  the  people 
in  this  country,  and  would  control  the  destinies  of  this  country 
and  keep  our  Constitution  and  laws  written  as  they  should 
be."  «2 

"  At  a  convention  of  the  National  Association  of  Manu- 
facturers, held  at  New  Orleans,  David  M,  Parry  came  into 
the  arena  and  waged  battle  against  this  beast  with  seven  heads 
and  ten  horns  that  was  stalking  up  and  down  the  earth,  de- 
manding that  no  man  should  work,  buy  or  sell,  save  that  he 
had  the  name  or  mark  of  the  beast  upon  his  right  hand  or  in 
his  forehead.  Other  men  rallied  to  his  support,  and  today, 
instead  of  organized  labor  controlling  the  commerce  and  in- 
dustries of  the  country,  we  find  the  principal  leaders  of  this 
rebellion  against  constitutional  government  trying  to  save  their 
faces."  «^ 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         305 

It  is  clear  from  the  above  that  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers  is  opposed  to  practically  everything  that  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor  and  similar  unions  advocate, 
from  closed-shop  agreements  to  labor  legislation.  On  the 
other  hand,  it  believes  in  such  labor  organizations  as  the 
Modem  Order  of  the  Bees,  and  probably  the  National 
Trades  and  Workers'  Association  —  both  now  defunct  — 
although  it  officially  refused  endorsement  to  the  latter  or- 
ganization, presumably  because  it  feared  that  the  American 
Federation  of  Labor  might  obtain  control  of  that  "  union." 
It  has  outlined  a  plan  for  shop  representation,  but  it  has  not 
whole-heartedly  favored  even  these  "  shop  unions,"  since 
it  has  left  the  matter  without  recommendation  entirely  to  the 
individual  employer.^^  It  holds  that  "  Labor  organizations, 
restricted  to  right  and  honorable  limitations,  are  eminently 
proper,  as  every  fair  man  will  admit;  but  it  is  when  their 
regulations  are  contrary  to  law  and  the  rights  of  men  that  the 
employer  should  take  his  stand  against  them."  ^^  So,  we 
see  that  the  Association  bases  its  attitude  toward  unions  upon 
its  ideas  of  law  and  of  rights.  Let  us  note  a  few  of  these 
ideas: 

"  We  must  guard  well  the  sacred  temple  of  our  institutions. 
Emphatically  must  we  insist  upon  the  preservation  of  the 
structure  of  government  handed  down  as  a  cherished  tradi- 
tion. Never  must  we  forget  that  government  under  our  Con- 
stitution is  adequate  to  express  the  real  needs  of  our  people, 
and  that  once  we  cut  the  Gordian  knot  our  course  will  be 
towards  chaos  and  uncertainty."  °* 

"  The  constitutional  restraints,  laid  alike  upon  the  law-mak- 
ing powers  of  Congress  and  the  States,  are  not  arbitrary  en- 
actments of  a  capricious  nature,  they  are  the  expression  of 
eight  hundred  years  of  the  experience  of  the  English-thinking 
and  English-speaking  people  and  represent  the  effort  to  make 
secure  against  executive  or  legislative  invasion  such  rights  in 
individuals  and  minorities  as  the  historical  observation  of  the 
men  of  our  blood  convinced  them  was  essential  to  the  preserva- 


3o6  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

tion  of  the  life,  liberty  and  property  of  each  and  the  security 
of  all."  " 

"  Every  time  an  employer  of  labor  permits  himself  to  be 
intimidated  or  coerced  into  closing  his  shop,  or  other  place 
where  labor  is  performed  to  all  but  those  who  are  members  of 
this  organization  or  that  ...  he  commits  a  crime  against  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States."  *^ 

"  Our  Government  cannot  stand,  nor  its  free  institutions  en- 
dure if  the  Gompers-Debs  ideals  of  liberty  and  freedom  of 
speech  and  press  are  allowed  to  dominate.  .  .  .  This  Govern- 
ment cannot  permanently  endure  if  it  permits  a  part,  even 
though  it  be  a  small  part,  of  its  people  to  continue  in  open, 
organized  rebellion  against  its  institutions  and  its  laws ;  if  it 
continues  to  permit  a  defiant  labor  trust  machine  to  ride 
rough  shod  over  the  rights  of  its  citizens."  *^ 

"  But  the  right  of  any  class  of  citizens  to  organize  for  the 
purpose  of  confiscating  rights  and  privileges  of  others,  and 
for  the  further  purpose  of  compelling  others  to  bide  their 
dictation  or  starve,  has  always  been  denied  and  always  should 
be."  ^0 

"  Our  people  must  be  free,  our  industries  must  be  free,  our 
commerce  and  manufacturers  must  be  free,  our  great  lines  of 
transportation  must  be  free  —  all  lawful  pursuits  must  be  free 
—  or  the  welfare  and  progress  of  the  entire  nation  are  jeopard- 
ized. There  is  nowhere  any  warrant  of  law  for  interfering 
with  any  citizen  in  the  free  pursuit  of  the  object  or  occupation 
of  his  choice,  if  that  occupation  and  that  object  and  the  manner 
of  pursuing  them  only  be  within  the  limitations  of  law,  right 
and  justice."  ^^ 

"  We  must  co-operate  —  we  must  get  together  and  stick  to- 
gether to  uphold  our  honor  and  honesty,  we  manufacturers  and 
merchants,  or  rampant  labor  men.  socialists  and  demagogues 
will  be  our  undoing.  All  these  new  f angled  ideas  about  the 
initiative,  referendum  and  recall,  and  all  these  attacks  on 
capital,  no  matter  how  honestly  obtained,  are  for  the  sole  and 
only  purpose  of  putting  more  power  into  the  hands  of  the 
papers  and  politicians.     In  fact,  I  think  the  greatest  menace 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         307 

that  our  country  has  today  is  a  so-called  '  free  press,'  bidding 
for  popularity  with  the  thoughtless  mob."  '^ 

"  I  earnestly  hope  this  Association  will  realize  the  great 
responsibility  which  rests  with  it  to  move  forward  steadfastly 
in  the  patriotic  work  of  maintaining  American  liberty  and  prop- 
erty rights,  the  corner  stones  of  modern  civilisation;  and  I  hope 
it  will  see  that  to  achieve  ultimate  success  it  must  lay  its  plans 
of  campaign  on  broad,  democratic  lines,  enlisting  all  classes  of 
employers  in  the  work,  and  arraying  the  substantial  citizen- 
ship of  the  country  in  one  great  phalanx  determined  to  pre- 
serve these  principles  of  government  which  have  made  this 
the  best  country  in  the  world  for  every  class  of  people."  ^' 

"  We  need  to  make  resistance  in  the  field  of  industry,  in  the 
Held  of  politics,  in  the  field  of  statesmanship,  and  in  the  domain 
of  law —  resistance  against  every  encroachment  upon  the  rights 
of  the  citizen  —  the  humblest  citizen  as  well  as  the  most 
powerful."  ^* 

"  Conservatism  must  be  the  keynote  of  the  policy  of  the 
National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  and  this  makes  it  the 
opponent  of  radicalism,  whether  that  radicalism  be  preached 
by  labor  leaders,  by  socialists  or  by  other  open  or  secret 
enemies  of  the  private  management  of  industry.  Industry 
under  our  present  system  of  government  has  made  the  Ameri- 
can people  the  most  prosperous  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  and 
yet  this  fact  is  so  imperfectly  understood  that  the  forces  of  re- 
action and  destruction  seem  to  be  augmenting  their  strength, 
making  absolutely  imperative  the  active  defense  of  industry 
and  of  those  conditions  which  are  essential  for  its  develop- 
ment. No  nation  today  has  a  greater  need  for  a  sober  con- 
servative force  than  has  this  republic,  and  it  is  thus  seen  that 
there  is  plenty  of  work  for  this  Association  to  perform."  ^^ 

If  we  take  these  statements  in  connection  with  the  Dec- 
laration of  Principles,  given  above,  we  may  conclude  that 
the  Association  stands  for  individualism,  the  rights  of 
private  property,  and  the  maintenance  of  these  by  the  Gov- 
ernment; and  that  anything  contrary  to  the  property  right, 
as  it  defines  it,  of  the  employer  to  employ  whomever  he 


3o8  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

pleases  on  whatever  terms  he  pleases,  is  unconstitutional,  and 
no  union  or  legislative  body  can  legally  change  such  property 
rights. ^^  The  thousands  of  pages  of  the  literature  of  the 
Association  abound  with  statements  to  confirm  this,  and  only 
rarely  is  a  dissenting  sentence  found.  So  we  should  expect 
this  Association  as  a  matter  of  course  to  oppose  legislation 
restricting  property  rights,  or  curtailing  the  employer's 
liberty  to  manage  his  business  as  he  sees  fit,  and  in  such  op- 
position to  engage  in  politics.  Such  is  the  case.  In  fact, 
"  The  Association  was  created  to  influence  legislation."  '^^ 

Legislative  Activities;  Legislation  Opposed. —  The 
Association  with  its  subsidiary  organizations,  has  been  the 
most  prominent  opponent  of  labor  legislation,  such  as  eight- 
hour  and  anti-injunction  bills,  all  of  which  it  has  character- 
ized as  class  legislation.  From  1902  to  1912,  it  successfully 
opposed  the  enactment  of  a  federal  eight-hour  law  applying 
to  work  done  under  government  contract,  and  while  its  op- 
position could  not  prevent  the  passage  of  the  law  in  191 2, 
it  secured  amendments  to  the  law  that  limited  somewhat  the 
applications  of  that  law."^^  Its  stand  on  this  measure  is  thus 
stated  in  its  pamphlet  on  "  Eight  Hours  By  Act  of  Con- 
gress "  (p.  I )  :  "  The  National  Association  is  committed 
to  an  unrelenting  opposition  to  this  vicious,  needless,  and  in 
every  way  preposterous  proposition,  and  we  ask  you  to  read 
and  preserve  the  following  pages  as  evidence,  if  such  should 
ever  be  desired,  that  the  worst  that  can  be  said  of  it  is  none 
too  bad."  The  Association  in  the  same  manner  has  op- 
posed all  bills  tending  to  lessen  the  power  of  the  courts  in 
the  issue  of  injunctions  in  labor  disputes.  Its  opposition 
began  in  1902,  became  strong  in  1904,'^®  and  continued  with 
complete  success  until  the  enactment  of  the  Clayton  Anti- 
trust Law  of  19 14,  an  act  which  its  leaders  say  does  not 
materially  lessen  the  power  of  the  courts  in  the  matter  of 
punishing  for  conspiracy,  although  it  clearly  contains  provi- 
sions that  the  Association  has  fought  strenuously  as  anti-in- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         309 

junction  measures.  It  has  opposed  even  harmless  anti-in- 
junction measures  on  the  ground  that  such  bills  serve  as  ac- 
cusations of  the  justice  of  our  courts.*^  It  has  fought 
amendments  to  the  Sherman-Anti-Trust  Act  and  provisos 
in  appropriation  bills  whereby  labor  unions  were  exempted 
from  prosecution  under  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Act  by 
funds  appropriated  for  its  enforcement,  although  it  de- 
manded that  the  Sherman-Clayton  Acts  be  so  revised  as  to 
permit  "  collective  economic  action  in  business  transac- 
tions," "  beneficial  to  the  public  interest. "^^  It  has  op- 
posed vigorously  bills  defining  property  rights,  in  which  the 
right  to  do  business  was  defined  as  a  personal  right  and  not 
a  property  right,  and  in  which  the  good-will  of  business 
was  characterized  as  not  being  property. ^^  Bills  for  jury 
trials  in  contempt-of-court  cases  in  labor  disputes  have  been 
combated  by  the  Association,^^  as  have  bills  allowing  federal 
employees  to  affiliate  with  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor.*^  Its  activities  have  been  distinctly  unfavorable  to 
the  Seamen's  Bill  and  to  legislation  tending  to  check  the  use 
of  scientific  management,  or  efficiency  measures.  Its  op- 
position to  the  Seamen's  Act  did  not  cease  when  that  bill  be- 
came a  law,  but  continues  to  the  present  in  the  form  of  de- 
mands for  the  repeal  or  serious  modification  of  the  Act. 
It  has  condemned  compulsory  sickness  insurance  as  a 
menace.  It  has  protested  against  the  labor  provisions  of 
the  Versailles  Peace  Treaty.  It  opposed  at  first,  then  sought 
modifications  and  now  demands  the  repeal  of  the  excess- 
profits  tax.  It  denounced  the  passage  of  the  Adamson  Eight 
Hour  Law.^^  It  opposed  the  National  Child  Labor  Law,*® 
and  has  not  been  favorable  to  minimum-wage  laws.®^  With 
the  exception  of  the  act  creating  the  Federal  Board  for  Vo- 
cational Education,  there  have  apparently  been  no  measures 
favored  by  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  which  have 
not  been  opposed  by  the  Association.**  In  fact  its  attitude 
towards  "  remedial  legislation  "  is  well  illustrated  by  a  highly 


3IO  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

commendary  editorial  in  American  Industries  —  its  official 
publication  —  on  the  stand  of  Mr.  Morgan.  This  editorial 
says  in  part :  "  The  only  thing  which  Mr.  Morgan  seems 
to  have  learned  during  his  somewhat  successful  career  is  that 
it  pays  to  mind  one's  own  business.  .  .  .  When  asked  what 
might  be  done  in  the  way  of  remedial  legislation  to  solve  the 
problems  of  industry,  Mr.  Morgan,  said,  *  It  is  an  admirable 
work  to  do  but  it  is  beyond  me.'  "  ^^  In  other  words,  "  Let 
well  enough  alone:  The  manufacturing  interests  of  the 
country  are  opposed  to  any  change  of  administration  which 
will  result  in  a  disturbance  of  business,  a  check  to  present 
commercial  improvement,  and  possible  wage  reduction. 
Radicalism  in  tariff  revision  or  radicalism  in  labor  legisla- 
lation  are  equally  menacing  to  continued  prosperity,"  ^°  In- 
deed, its  position  on  restrictive  legislation  is  summed  up  in 
the  statement  that  "  There  are  a  great  many  ways  of  mak- 
ing people  good,  but  you  cannot  do  it  by  law."  ^^  It  has 
complained  of  "  drastic  and  unnecessary  legislation  affecting 
conditions  of  work  in  factories  and  mills,"  ^^  and  has 
demonstrated  the  futility  of  too  many  laws  as  enacted  to- 
day.®^ Stockholders,  bank  depositors,  home  owners,  and 
other  property  holders  have  been  appealed  to  in  opposition 
to  restrictive  legislation.®^ 

The  Association  regards  the  legislative  situation  more 
serious  than  that  phase  of  the  conflict  which  is  limited  to  the 
industrial  field,®^  and  has  accordingly  organized  for  action 
in  legislative  matters.  The  Association  unanimously  agreed 
to  a  resolution  "  That  the  National  Association  does  here- 
v/ith  vehemently  protest  and  sternly  rebuke  any  attempt  by 
our  National  or  State  Legislatures  to  foster,  consider  or 
enact  hasty,  undigested  and  special  legislation  designed, 
directly  or  indirectly,  to  create  class  legislation,  with  all  its 
attendant  constitutional  dangers  and  industrial  disorders."  " 
The  Association  in  order  to  oppose  such  legislation  organized 
the  National  Council  for  Industrial  Defense,  now  called  the 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         311 

National  Industrial  Council,  the  character  and  activities  of 
which  have  thus  been  stated : 

The  Legislative  Committee  of  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers  and  the  National  Council  for  Industrial  De- 
fense are  for  all  the  world  like  the  Siamese  twins  —  you  can- 
not separate  them  and  you  do  not  want  to  separate  them. 
You  cannot,  and  need  not,  be  able  to  tell  where  the  one  ends 
and  the  other  begins.  The  Council  was  organized  and  exists 
under  the  leadership  of  the  National  Association  of  Manu- 
facturers, and  this  leadership  is  exercised  through  the  Legis- 
lative Committee.  .  .  .  The  Council  has  focused  many  forces 
which  were  not  available  through  the  direct  membership  of 
the  Association.  It  has  secured  co-operation  among  societies 
in  many  great  fields  of  activity  all  over  the  country  and  thus 
has  been  a  powerful  auxiliary  to  the  Association  in  defeat- 
ing unwise  or  vicious  measures  in  the  National  and  State  law- 
making bodies  and  in  shaping  and  promoting  sane,  conserva- 
tive legislation."^" 

Prior  to  the  formation  of  the  Council  in  1907,  there  was 
less  centralization  in  legislative  activities,  and  the  decisions 
as  to  what  legislation  to  oppose  were  reached  in  a  more 
cumbersome  manner  than  at  present  when  Mr.  Emery 
analyzes  bills  and  points  out  their  objectionable  features,  and 
calls  upon  members  for  telegrams  and  letters  of  protest. 
Sometimes  as  many  as  10,000  such  telegrams  and  letters 
have  been  sent  within  48  hours  after  the  call.®®  The  old 
method  has  thus  been  described  in  American  Industries: 

"  The  Association,  through  its  directors,  executive  officers 
and  various  committees,  acting  in  harmony  with  the  policies 
laid  down  by  the  members  themselves  in  annual  meetings, 
favors  or  opposes  national  legislative  propositions,  as  may  have 
been  determined  to  he  wisest  for  the  welfare  of  the  country  and 
its  manufacturing  interests."  "^ 

Mr.  Emery  has  thus  summed  up  the  legislative  activities  of 
the  N.  A.  M. : 


312  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  It  keeps  track  of  all  legislation  of  the  States  and  in  the 
National  Legislature,  of  interest  to  manufacturers.  It  informs 
them  fully  as  to  their  terms  and  meaning.  It  represents  them 
in  opposition  to  such  legislation  as  they  oppose,  and  in  the 
promotion  of  such  legislation  as  they  express  a  formal  in- 
terest in."  "8 

Causes  of  Legislative  Activities. —  The  stand  on  legisla- 
tion taken  by  the  Association  and  its  reasons  for  its  legisla- 
tive activities  are  found  in  part  in  the  following  statements : 

"  The  courage  and  the  promptness  with  which  the  courts  have 
vindicated  the  rights  and  liberties  of  employers  and  employees 
in  the  industries  have  turned  public  opinion  against  those 
objectionable  methods  [sympathetic  strikes  and  boycotts]. 
We  must  bear  in  mind,  though,  that  litigation,  however  suc- 
cessful, becomes  ineffective  if  legislation  modifies  or  repeals 
statutory  rights  or  remedies.  Moreover,  legislation  —  Na- 
tional or  State  —  which  does  this  offers  a  powerful  example 
for  imitation  by  the  rest  of  the  States  and  thus  lessens  the\ 
vigorous  administration  and  enforcement  of  alt  laws  along 
these  lines.  Hence  our  course  of  action  has  been  largely  con- 
fined to  defense."  "^ 

Thus  litigation  led  to  legislation,  and  the  courts  which  de- 
fended the  property  rights  of  the  employer,  had  to  be  pro- 
tected by  the  employers'  associations  against  a  limitation  of 
their  powers.  To  maintain  these  rights  of  the  employer  in 
labor  disputes,  first  resort  was  had  to  the  courts  where  the 
conflict  was  waged,  second  to  legislative  bodies  where  the 
unions  were  attempting  to  lessen  the  courts'  activities  in  such 
matters,  and  finally,  from  there  into  politics;  such  has  been 
the  general  procedure  of  those  associations  which  engaged 
in  the  conflict  outside  of  the  immediate  industrial  field. ^*"^ 
This  Association  began  with  legislation,  went  into  politics, 
and  into  an  extensive  propaganda,  and  states  that  "  it  has 
helped  to  shape  the  course  of  Congress  and  of  many  legisla- 
tures.    On  the  country's  industrial  and  political  life  it  has 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         313 

exerted  and  is  now  exerting  a  profound  and  beneficent  in- 
fluence." ^«i 

Success  in  Opposing  State  Legislation. —  The  Associa- 
tion, however,  has  not  limited  its  legislative  activities  to  fed- 
eral fields ;  it  has  appeared  through  its  leaders  in  opposition 
to  various  labor  bills  before  state  legislatures.  Among  the 
states  where  these  leaders  have  been  active  are  New  York, 
New  Jersey,  Connecticut,  Ohio,  Massachusetts,  Indiana  and 
Missouri. ^^^  Let  us  take  a  quotation  which  shows  the  wide- 
spread nature  of  this  activity: 

"  Under  different  names,  and  fathered  by  various  persons, 
the  Federation  attempted,  in  the  early  months  of  1909,  to 
push  Pearre  bills  through  legislatures.  We  were  on  our  guard, 
however.  Again  we  were  successful.  Through  our  initiative, 
under  our  direction,  and  with  our  aid  measures  of  this  sort 
have  been  defeated  in  every  legislature  in  which  they  have  been 
pressed   for  enactment."  ^°^ 

President  Kirby  thus  testified  to  the  effectiveness  of  Mr. 
Emery  of  the  Council : 

"If  you  have  a  batch  of  bad  bills  before  your  legislature 
and  you  can  arrange  with  your  committee  for  a  general  hear- 
ing and  will  request  Mr.  Emery  to  come  and  appear  before  the 
committee,  he  will  be  glad  to  do  it,  and  I  can  assure  you  that 
no  objectionable  bill  will  pass  through  the  hands  of  any  com- 
mittee after  Mr.  Emery  has  had  a  chance  to  tell  them  what 
it  means  —  I  don't  care  whether  it  is  a  committee  of  labor 
skates  or  what  it  is.  If  he  gets  a  chance  at  them  I  will  promise 
you  the  bill  is  dead  from  that  moment."  ^"* 

And  Mr.  Hanch  of  Indiana  added  his  testimony  to  that  of 
President  Kirby  as  follows : 

"  I  want  to  testify  to  the  exact  truthfulness  of  what  you 
have  just  now  said.  In  the  recent  legislative  session  in  Indiana 
we  had  both  houses  in  the  hands  of  the  opposing  party,  and 
I  think  the  largest  list  of  malicious  class  bills  ever  presented. 


314  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

The  general  subjects  might  be  classed  under  employers' 
liability,  master  and  servant,  assumption  of  risks,  fellow  serv- 
ants, our  old  friend  anti-injunction,  aesthetics  and  hygiene  in 
factories,  and  everything  of  that  kind,  and  we  thought  we  were 
up  against  it;  but  through  the  insistent  persistence  of  Mr, 
Emery  we  were  able  to  prevent  every  one  of  those  bills  from 
getting  to  the  Governor."  ^**^ 

The  N.  A.  M.  by  ofTficial  resolution  in  1920  highly  com- 
mended Mr.  Emery  for  his  remarkable  efficiency  and  note- 
worthy achievements.^**" 

The  Association  has  made  its  strongest  appeal  to  business 
men  to  oppose  such  labor  legislation  on  the  ground  that 
business  was  curbed  by  all  laws  of  this  sort.  In  resolu- 
tions, it  has  protested  "  against  continuous  assault 
on  our  established  industries,"  and  blamed  legislators 
for  business  depressions.^"^  It  has  argued  that  "If 
business  was  let  alone  and  not  legislated  into  poverty, 
it  would  encourage  investors."  *°®  It  no  longer  appeals 
to  manufacturers  alone. ^^^  At  one  time  it  favored  strongly 
the  regulation  of  railroad  rates  by  the  Interstate  Commerce 
Commission,  but  in  recent  years  it  has  been  showing  an  ad- 
verse attitude  to  government  regulation  in  any  form.^^*^ 
This  is  undoubtedly  a  clear  indication  of  a  wider  recognition 
of  a  community  of  interests  among  manufacturers  and  rail- 
road managers.  Ex-President  Kirby  did  not  look  kindly 
upon  the  large  numbers  of  immigrants  from  southern 
Europe,  and  he  based  his  opposition  on  the  belief  that  these 
brought  "  with  them  nothing  but  seeds  of  socialism  and 
anarchy  with  which  to  thistle  our  fertile  land."  ^^^  Yet  the 
Association,  a  year  or  two  later,  opposed  before  Congress, 
a  Chinese  Exclusion  Act,^^^  and  at  later  times  has  seemed 
to  have  favored  immigration  because  of  the  shortage  of  la- 
bor both  skilled  and  unskilled  and  opposed  legislation  such 
as  the  literacy  test,  but  asked  that  socialists  and  anarchists  be 
excluded  by  a  "  proper  enforcement  of  the  present  law,"  or 
by  additional   law.     In    1920,   it  was   frightened  by  the 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         315 

"  immigration  menace,"  since  "  the  United  States  is  being 
made  the  dumping  ground  of  all  Europe,"  and  has  a  com- 
mittee "  which  is  making  an  exhaustive  investigation  of 
every  phase  of  the  immigration  question,"  and  "  will  submit 
a  comprehensive  and  practical  measure  that  not  only  will 
regelate  immigration,  but  distribute  it  in  agricultural  and 
industrial  territories  where  it  is  so  greatly  needed  and  where 
it  may  be  absorbed."  ^^^  Probably  the  need  for  immigrants 
as  workmen  in  the  open  shops  may  have  caused  the  Associa- 
tion at  one  time  to  favor  strongly  immigration,  while  the 
fear  of  radicals  among  the  immigrants  when  great  numbers 
are  coming,  may  be  the  cause  for  the  wish  to  restrict  the 
number  as  well  as  to  exclude  known  radicals. 

The  Association  is  apparently  becoming  more  antagonistic 
to  governmental  enterprises  and  supervision,  as  now  con- 
ducted. 

Governmental  Activities. —  Practically  every  depart- 
ment and  phase  of  government  have  at  times  come  in  for 
condemnation  at  the  hands  of  the  Association  leaders  and 
publications.^  ^^  Legislators  are  blamed  for  the  framing  of 
ambiguous  and  unconstitutional  laws,  and  the  courts  are 
acquitted  of  any  unfriendly  designs  upon  certain  laws  ob- 
noxious to  business  if  these  are  declared  unconstitutional 
or  interpreted  so  that  they  mean  other  than  their  f  ramers  say 
they  intended.  Complaints  about  the  appeals  of  the  em- 
ployers to  the  -courts  to  set  aside  or  interpret  certain  laws, 
have  been  answered  by  a  statement  that  for  big  business 
"  to  suffer  the  blame  for  Congressional  stupidity  is  too 
much."  ^^^  These  leaders  and  publications  have  attempted 
to  show  that  governmental  enterprises  are  generally  run  at 
a  loss.^^®  Public  ventures  are  usually  discredited,  or  con- 
demned as  failures.  The  Association  leaders  strongly  op- 
posed the  Ship- Purchase  Bill  of  1914-15,  and  the  continued 
government  ownership  of  merchant  ships.^*^  They  criti- 
cized unfavorably  the  plan  of  the  Federal  Government  for 


3i6  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

extending  loans  to  the  Southern  cotton  growers,  saying  that 
"  the  scheme  failed  utterly  as  all  schemes  of  Government 
aid  in  emergencies  is  apt  to  do."^^*  Government  owner- 
ship and  operation  of  railways,  telephone  and  telegraph  lines 
and  other  governmental  enterprises  such  as  state  insurance 
are  discredited  both  at  home  and  abroad  by  these  leaders  and 
publications,  and  opposed  at  all  times  by  the  Association  as 
unwise. -^^^  The  Association's  part  in  such  matters  is  clearly 
indicated  by  its  sending  John  Kirby,  Jr.,  David  M.  Parry 
and  Albert  Snowden  as  a  commission  to  visit  Australia  and 
New  Zealand, 

"  to  study  and  report  at  length  on  the  development  and  opera- 
tion of  the  innumerable  legislative  measures  such  as  the  In- 
dustrial Conciliation  and  Arbitration  Act,  the  Factories  Act, 
the  National  Insurance  Act,  the  Minimum  Wage  proposals, 
etc.,  the  adoption  of  which  has  created  in  this  country  the  im- 
pression that  Australia  and  New  Zealand  are  the  workingman's 
paradise,  which  impression  has  been  stimulated  by  the  labor 
union  leaders  and  the  superficial  students  of  economic  laws. 
The  purpose  of  the  Commission  is  to  report  accurately,  and  in 
detail,  the  exact  effects  upon  national  business  welfare  of  the 
teachings  not  only  of  economics,  hui  of  history  and  of  legislat- 
ing in  haste  for  the  apparent  needs  of  the  moment."  ^^^ 

News  of  the  Commission  received  from  time  to  time  prom- 
ised the  opponent  of  government  enterprise  and  labor  legis- 
lation a  wealth  of  argimients  for  his  viewpoint,  for  one  of 
these  states  that 

"  In  a  general  way  Australian  employers,  in  conversation 
with  the  visitors,  found  that  they  had  a  common  cause  in  re- 
spect not  only  to  industrial  difficulties  or  the  problem  imposed 
from  time  to  time  by  meddlesome  political  parties,  .  .  .  The 
interchange  of  views  between  Australian  employers  and  the 
visitors  have  been  mutually  advantageous  in  showing  that  the 
problems  in  both  hemispheres  are  very  similar,  excepting  that 
in  Australia  many  of  the  theories  preached  in  the  older  coun- 
tries have  been  tested  with,  generally,  unsatisfactory  results."  ^^^ 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         317 

The  report  itself  fulfils  the  promise, —  it  contains  a  severe 
indictment  of  government  enterprises  and  restrictions  and 
likewise  of  present-day  unionism. ^^^  Various  other  in- 
stances of  criticism  of  governmental  activities  are  frequent. 
The  Anthracite  Coal  Strike  Commission  was  deplored  in 
1903  as  a  venture  in  socialism,^ ^^  but  was  later  endorsed 
highly  for  its  findings. ^^^  The  Federal  Commission  on  In- 
dustrial Relations,  however,  was  at  no  time  commended; 
the  attitude  of  the  Association  toward  it  was  that  "  nothing 
constructive  was  expected  of  it  and  nothing  constructive  has 
been  produced."  ^^^  The  publications  of  the  Association 
have  not  been  sparing  in  their  condemnation  of  this  Com- 
mission, as  its  investigations,  discussions,  and  two  of  its 
three  final  reports  were  not  such  as  the  Association  could  en- 
dorse.^ ^^  It  favored  the  discontinuance  of  the  National 
War  Labor  Board,  and  opposed  the  creation  of  a  similar 
body  except  for  public  utilities,  on  the  ground  that  the 
former  Board  had  not  been  truly  a  success  as  a  national 
body.  It  condemned  unsparingly  the  manner  in  which  the 
U,  S.  Employment  Service  was  conducted  during  the  war, 
and  fought  appropriations  for  continuing  the  Service,  but 
it  advocated  ample  appropriations  for  the  employment  divi- 
sion of  the  War  Department  to  secure  employment  for  the 
returned  soldiers  and  sailors.  It  deplored  the  adoption  of 
the  closed  shop  by  the  U.  S.  Shipping  Board. ^^'^  The  As- 
sociation was  hostile  to  the  recent  amendments  to  the  Fed- 
eral Constitution;  to  the  income-tax  amendment  and  the 
law  based  upon  this,  because  of  their  "  socialistic  "  character, 
especially  in  regard  to  exemptions ;  also  to  the  excess-profits 
tax  and  to  the  direct  election  of  United  States  senators  as 
contrary  to  the  spirit  of  our  government.  For  the  same 
reason,  it  has  denounced  the  initiative,  referendum  and  re- 
call,^^^  although  it  seemed  to  rejoice  because  the  people  of 
Missouri  nullified  a  full-crew  law  in  that  State  by  the  refer- 
endum."* 


3i8  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Legislation  Sought. —  The  Association  through  its 
leaders  seeks  the  aid  of  the  government  and  asks  for  legis- 
lation favorable  to  the  interests  of  manufacturers. ^^^  It 
asks  for  aid  in  building  up  foreign  commerce,  and  wants  to 
use  consular  and  other  diplomatic  representatives  for  this 
purpose.^  ^^  It  wishes  liberal  appropriations  for  the  Bureau 
of  Manufacturers,  and  now  asks  for  a  Department  of  Manu- 
factures.^ ^^  It  takes  credit  for  helping  create  a  Depart- 
ment of  Commerce, ^^^  for  securing  changes  in  the  patent 
laws,^^*  and  for  the  establishment  of  a  tariff  commission 
under  the  Administration  of  President  Taft,  and  later 
agitated  for  another  commission.  ^^^  The  Federal  Reserve 
Banks  carry  out  the  idea  which  it  has  advocated,  that  is,  a 
partially  centralized  system  —  to  demonstrate  by  a  quota- 
tion :  "  The  interests  of  the  people  of  the  United  States 
require  a  banking  system  like  the  Government,  having  central 
control  of  certain  functions  requiring  unity  of  action,  and 
which  at  the  same  time  leaves  each  locality  independent  in 
all  bank  matters."  ^'®  Greater  centralization,  however,  is 
now  desired.  The  N.  A.  M.  has  agitated  for  the  federal 
incorporation  of  public  utilities,  and  for  a  national  budget 
system.^ ^"^  Its  leaders  favor  a  ship  subsidy,  and  the  main- 
tenance of  derelict  destroyers  by  the  Government. ^^^  It 
has  urged  upon  Congress  the  adoption  of  a  comprehensive 
policy  of  waterway  development. ^^^  It  advocates  a  strong 
militia,  and  a  large  army  and  navy,^^^  not  only  for  war,  but 
"  to  squelch  the  rebellion  that  springs  into  existence  with 
every  strike."  ^^^  It  has  asked  for  legislation  to  prevent 
strikes  on  the  railroads.  It  has  urged  the  establishment  of 
publicly  supported  trade  and  industrial  schools,  and  has 
pled  for  national  appropriations  for  advancing  industrial 
education.^^2     On  this  point  we  find  it  saying: 

"  The  assistance  of  both  the  State  and  National  Government 
in  establishing  technical  secondary  schools  and  trade  schools 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         319 

in  every  large  city  is  made  necessary  by  the  lack  of  industrial 
training  now  so  apparent."  "^ 

"  We  must  arouse  public  sentiment  to  the  necessity  of  com- 
pelling our  lawmakers,  in  their  respective  spheres,  National, 
State  and  municipal,  to  provide  general  industrial  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools  and  other  institutions."  ^" 

This  advocacy  of  industrial  education  supported  by  the  gov- 
ernment comes  because  trade  schools  have  proven  expensive 
to  the  employers  when  privately  conducted,  and  because  em- 
ployers wish  a  sufficient  supply  of  skilled  workmen  not  ob- 
tainable under  union  restrictions  on  the  number  of  appren- 
tices. 

More  closely  related  to  the  conflict  than  its  advocacy  of 
industrial  education  at  public  expense,  is  the  demand  that 
the  Association  has  made  for  drastic  legislation  restricting 
the  sale  and  transportation  of  dynamite.^ ^'^  Such  legisla- 
tion is  desired  because  of  the  use  that  had  been  made  of 
dynamite  to  intimidate  the  employer  through  the  destruc- 
tion of  his  property  and  of  the  belief  that  legislation  can 
make  detection  of  the  dynamiter  less  difficult,  if  not  dis- 
courage him  entirely.     The  Association  has  resolved 

"  (i)  That  we  urge  upon  the  Legislatures  of  the  various 
States  the  passage  of  laws  regulating  the  sale,  transfer,  storage 
and  use  of  dynamite  and  other  high  explosives,  to  the  end 
that  the  greatest  measure  of  safety  and  protection  to  life  and 
property  from  the  criminal  use  of  said  explosive  can  be  secured 
with  as  little  interference  as  may  be  with  the  legitimate  and 
industrial  uses  of  the  same. 

"  (2)  That  we  believe  and  therefore  urge  that  the  possession 
of  a  bomb  or  of  a  time-clock  contrivance  or  other  infernal  ma- 
chine accompanied  by  possession  of  dynamite  or  other  ex- 
plosive possible  to  be  set  off  and  exploded  thereby,  which  bomb, 
contrivance  or  infernal  machine  is  manifestly  not  suitable  for 
any  legitimate  industrial  use,  should  be  made  a  felony,  and 
that,  in  general,  penalties  should  be  provided  for  the  criminal 
use  of  dynamite  and  other  explosives  sufficiently  commensurate 


320         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

with  the  enormity  of  the  offense  to  afford  a  deterrent  effect 
upon  said  use : 

"  (3)  That  we  urge  upon  our  National  Congress  the  pas- 
sage of  laws  on  the  above  lines  for  the  District  of  Columbia  and 
the  Territories,  and  also  such  laws  as  may  be  proper  and 
expedient  governing,  regulating,  or  making  criminal  the  trans- 
portation from  State  to  State  of  high  explosives,  bombs  and 
infernal  machines."  ^** 

Another  phase  of  the  conflict  upon  which  the  Associa- 
tion is  a  legislative  proponent,  is  that  of  workmen's  com- 
pensation laws.  In  this  matter,  it  has  shown  a  more 
"  progressive  "  attitude  than  on  any  other  form  of  legisla- 
lation,  for  instead  of  attempting  to  block  all  compensation 
laws,  it  attempts  to  secure  such  laws  as  appear  fairest  to  the 
employer,  and  thus  to  forestall  radical  laws,  under  which 
the  employer  must  pay  for  all  the  costs  of  liability  insurance 
and  be  liable  for  all  accidents  that  occur  in  his  shop  or  at 
his  place  of  business. ^*^  To  this  end  the  Association  has 
prepared  and  circulated  a  "  Model  Workmen's  Compensa- 
tion Act."  ^^^  It  claims  credit  for  the  enactment  in  several 
states  of  laws  based  upon  this  model.  Its  success  in  thus 
blocking  drastic  legislation  in  this  field  has  led  it  to  advocate 
similar  action  in  other  fields  but  employers  do  not  seem  to 
have  taken  heartily  to  the  scheme.  It  has,  however,  op- 
posed compulsory  health  insurance.  The  knowledge  that 
one  of  its  officials  had  of  factory  conditions  affecting  health, 
safety  and  sanitation,  caused  him  to  be  called  upon  to  aid 
in  preparing  questions  and  in  grading  papers  of  applicants 
for  positions  of  factory  inspectors. ^^^ 

The  Association  has  also  advocated  legislation  to  make 
trade  unions  legally  responsible  for  the  acts  of  their  officers, 
in  other  words,  to  cause  the  unions  to  incorporate  or  be- 
come quasi  corporations,  so  that  they  might  be  sued  in  the 
name  of  the  unions  and  the  union  treasury  levied  upon  for 
damages.^  ^" 

The  Association's   Methods  in  Legislative   Matters 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  321 

have  been  until  recently  largely  obstructive  and  political  in 
nature.  Its  Counsel,  Mr.  Emery,  watches  the  legislative 
situation  in  Washington  closely.  Whenever  a  labor  union 
bill  is  introduced,  he  takes  notice  of  it,  and  when  it  seems 
to  be  receiving  favorable  consideration  by  either  House  of 
Congress,  he  analyzes  it,  points  out  its  features  that  are  ob- 
jectionable to  the  employer  and  presents  arguments  against 
the  bill.  This  information  is  sent  out  in  the  form  of  Bul- 
letins, "  Washington  Service  Bulletins,"  letters  and  tele- 
grams, to  the  members  of  the  Association  and  the  organiza- 
tions affiliated  with  the  National  Industrial  Council,^**^ 
"  Through  the  well  organized  Washington  service  of  the  As- 
sociation, members  are  promptly  advised  of  all  legislation 
directly  affecting  manufacturing  interests."  ^^^  If  hearings 
are  held  on  the  bills,  the  representatives  of  the  Association 
appear  before  the  committee  having  the  bill  under  consid- 
ration  and  made  arguments,  ordinarily,  against  the  bill.^'*^ 
If  the  committee  is  friendly,  usually  this  suffices,  but  if  not, 
then  members  are  called  upon  to  make  protests  against  the 
proposed  legislation  —  a  method  that  the  leaders  confess  is 
far  more  effective  than  any  arguments  that  they  can  make.^^* 
Sometimes  these  protests  are  made  in  order  to  force  a  hear- 
ing on  the  bill  before  it  is  reported  favorably  out  of  the 
committee,  and  so  usually  delay  its  consideration  by  either 
House  or  Senate.^''^  These  protests  are  directed  to  the 
members  of  the  committee,  or  to  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee, and  are  in  the  form  of  letters  and  telegrams.  Let- 
ters and  telegrams  of  protest  are  also  sent  by  the  manu- 
facturer to  the  representative  of  the  district  in  which  the 
manufacturer  resides,  or  in  which  he  conducts  his  business, 
or  both,  and  to  the  senators  of  his  state.  These  protests 
are  employed  when  bills  are  before  the  House  or  Senate  for 
final  consideration  and  vote.^^®  Manufacturers  in  person 
also  call  upon  the  members  of  Congress  to  make  protests.^ ^^ 
The  various  organizations  affiliated  with  the  National  In- 


322         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

dustrial  Council  are  also  aroused  and  send  in  resolutions  of 
protest.^ ^*  This  action  is  usually  deferred  till  the  last 
moment,  in  order  to  save  members  from  unnecessary  trouble, 
and  in  order  to  make  the  protests  more  impressive.^^® 
President  Van  Cleave  has  urged,  "  Let  every  one  of  the 
100,000  readers  of  American  Indtistries  write  or  wire  the 
senators  from  his  state  and  the  representative  from  his  dis- 
trict to  stand  out  against  all  these  attempts  to  enact  class 
legislation  and  to  denounce  and  defy  the  men  who  are  at- 
tempting to  create  class  distinctions  in  the  community  and 
to  sow  the  seeds  of  class  hatreds."  ^^^  Sometimes  the  lead- 
ers wish  to  arouse  all  the  employers  and  thoroughly  in- 
timidate the  members  of  Congress;  this  is  indicated  by  the 
following  instructions  by  President  Kirby  to  the  19 12  con- 
vention, 

"  that  when  we  go  back  to  our  homes  we  not  only  write  our- 
selves, but  get  our  business  friends  and  associates  around  us, 
in  clubs  and  elsewhere,  to  write  to  each  of  our  Congressmen 
and  Senators,  take  a  list  of  the  measures  about  which  Mr. 
Emery  has  been  talking,  and  say,  *  We  want  to  know  hozv  you 
voted  on  these  hills,  and  how  you  are  going  to  vote  on  those 
which  have  not  been  acted  upon.'  I  tell  you  a  few  letters  of 
that  kind,  going  to  each  one  of  these  men,  will  scare  the  life  out 
of  them,  and  have  a  wonderful  effect,  and  possibly  prevent  some 
of  this  legislation."  "^ 

Immediate  consideration  of  a  bill  has  been  prevented  by  in 
appeal  of  the  Association's  Counsel  to  the  Committee  on 
Rules,  and  thus  time  for  the  arrival  of  the  protests  has 
been  secured.^^^  Letters  of  protest  have  likewise  been  sent 
to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  in  which  he  is  asked 
to  use  his  influence  with  Congress  against  the  bill,  or  in  case 
the  bill  has  passed  both  houses,  that  he  veto  it.^®^  In  1913, 
American  Industries  reports  editorially  in  regard  to  protests 
to  President  Wilson  against  exempting  labor  unions  from 
prosecution  under  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Act  that  "  It  is 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         323 

doubtful  if  any  President  has  ever  been  appealed  to  more 
earnestly  by  business  men  throughout  the  country  than  in  the 
protests  lodged  with  him  urging  executive  disapproval  of 
the  policy  of  class  legislation  now  sanctioned."  ^^*  Many 
labor  bills  have  been  killed  in  committees,  probably  selected 
for  this  purpose  because  of  the  unfriendliness  of  the 
majority  of  the  members  to  any  labor  legislation. ^^^  Ex- 
Congressman  Littlefield,  a  former  member  of  the  Judiciary 
Committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  has  thus  testi- 
fied as  to  how  labor  bills  have  been  killed  in  that  commit- 
tee: 

"  The  gentleman  who  will  appoint  that  committee  .  .  .  will 
be  a  man  by  the  name  of  Joseph  G.  Cannon,  and  when  he 
appoints  the  Judiciary  Committee  in  my  judgment  it  will  be 
a  committee  that  will  see  that  nothing  but  wise  and  judicious 
legislation  is  reported  therefrom.  .  .  .  One  of  the  members  of 
that  committee  heretofore,  who  I  have  no  doubt  will  be  a 
member  again,  is  my  friend,  Mr.  Malby  of  New  York,  whom 
I  had  the  greatest  pleasure  of  receiving  on  the  Judiciary  Com- 
mittee in  his  first  term,  as  a  member  of  my  subcommittee  to 
which  ...  all  this  interesting  legislation  .  .  .  was  referred. 
By  some  curious  combination  of  parliamentary  circumstances 
it  came  into  the  hands  of  that  subcommittee  of  which  I  was 
chairman,  and  my  friend  here  was  the  other  Republican  mem- 
ber. And  allow  me  to  suggest  to  you  that  it  came  to  an  al- 
mighty good  place,  where  it  was  properly  taken  care  of.  I  do 
not  hesitate  to  assume  now  the  individual  responsibility  of 
guaranteeing  that  Mr.  Malby  will  stand  like  a  rock  in  connec- 
tion with  these  legislative  propositions,  no  matter  what  the 
storms  may  be.  This  Association  will  find  in  him  a  warm 
friend  and  an  active  supporter."  ^®^ 

These  remarks  were  received  by  the  convention  of  the  As- 
sociation with  applause  and  laughter,  which  indicated  that 
the  members  fully  understood  the  services  that  Littlefield 
and  Malby  had  rendered  the  Association.     But  the  character 


324         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

of  the  bills  thus  killed  and  the  need  for  such  a  disposal  were 
shown  by  another  statement  of  Mr.  Littlefield : 

"  There  never  was  a  time  from  the  day  when  I  became  a 
member  of  the  House  in  1899  until  I  left  it  in  1908  when  if 
any  of  the  legislation  demanded  by  the  American  Federation 
of  Labor,  which  intended  completely  to  license  and  legitima- 
tize the  interstate  boycott  and  denaturize  the  right  to  do  busi- 
ness—  there  never  has  been  a  time  during  that  period,  if  that 
legislation  had  been  reported  from  the  Judiciary  Committee 
when  it  would  not  have  passed  the  House  of  Representatives 
by  a  large  majority  in  my  opinion."  ^^^ 

The  Association,  however,  has  found  it  necessary  at  times 
to  take  action  to  prevent  important  congressional  commit- 
tees from  being  composed  largely  of  men  who  had  made  up 
their  minds  to  force  labor-union  bills  through  Congress,  for 
example : 

"  When  the  Democratic  party  assumed  control  of  the  House 
in  191 1,  pledged  by  its  platform  to  some  of  these  objection- 
able principles  of  legislation,  the  members  of  these  associations 
[N.  A.  M.  and  N.  I.  C]  were  urged  and  in  many  instances 
did  communicate  with  those  authorized  to  form  the  commit- 
tees of  the  House,  urging  without  the  mention  of  a  single 
name,  that  such  committees  be  composed  of  men  who  had  not 
prejudged  these  highly  important  issues."  ^®^ 

In  such  matters,  widespread  mfluence  was  solicited,  an 
instance  of  which  is :  "I  think  every  person  can  have  some 
influence,  and  every  one  should  feel  it  to  be  his  duty  to  assist 
this  Association  in  bringing  to  bear  any  influence  he  may 
have  with  any  Representative.  Those  who  seek  election 
pander  to  those  who  are  in  the  majority."  ^^® 

According  to  Mr.  Emery,  the  Association  has  been  able  to 
bring  strong  enough  pressure  upon  prominent  public  men  to 
cause  them  to  reverse  their  position  upon  important 
measures : 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         325 

"For  instance,  at  the  time  the  Hepburn  Bill  was  introduced, 
John  Sharp  Williams,  minority  leader  on  the  floor,  during  his 
filibustering  tactics,  said  that  they  would  help  the  President 
amend  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Law,  that  they  would  help 
him  pass  the  Hepburn  Bill,  and  they  made  a  big  fuss  about 
it.  After  -we  got  in  touch  with  the  Southern  organization  and 
brought  this  statement  to  their  attention,  twelve  days  after  that, 
Mr.  John  Sharp  Williams  ivent  before  the  American  Academy 
of  Social  and  Political  Science  at  Philadelphia  and  delivered 
the  most  drastic  and  bitter  criticism  of  the  Hepburn  Bill  that 
has  come  out  of  the  mouth  of  any  public  man.  In  that  he 
showed  a  marvelous  facility  and  adaptability  to  circum- 
stances." "» 

Political  Activities;  Party  Platforms. —  In  influencing 
legislators,  it  has  unquestionably  entered  the  field  of  politics, 
although  its  leaders  have  strenuously  denied  that  the  Asso- 
ciation is  or  has  been  in  partisan  politics.^  ^^  Because  of 
this  denial,  it  is  necessary  that  evidence  from  its  own  publi- 
cations be  offered  here  to  show  something  of  the  character  of 
its  political  action.  Not  only  have  its  leaders  engaged  in 
politics  on  their  own  account,  but  they  have  taken  part  in 
matters  where  the  support  of  a  large  number  of  its  members 
was  essential  to  the  success  of  the  undertaking.  For  exam- 
ple, the  successful  opposition  to  the  insertion  of  labor  planks 
in  the  Republican  platform  in  1908,  in  which  the  leaders 
called  upon  the  members  to  send  in  telegrams  of  protest,  and 
these  were  sent  in  such  numbers  as  to  swamp  the  Committee 
on  Resolutions  of  that  party.  An  ofificial  report  on  the  As- 
sociation's sub-organization,  the  National  Industrial  Coun- 
cil, states  the  method  used: 

"  This  powerful  influence  was  used  effectively  during  the 
Republican  National  Convention,  in  igo8,  when,  after  planks 
had  been  inserted  in  the  Republican  platform  pledging  the  party 
o  notice-and-hearing-in junction  legislation  and  to  an  amendment 
to  the  Sherman  Law  which  would  exclude  organized  labor  from 
its  criminal  provisions,  in  response  to  request  made  by  the 


326        Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Council  of  its  aMliated  organizations,  it  was  estimated  that 
from  so,ooo  to  40,000  telegrams  poured  in  on  the  resolutions 
committee  in  one  day,  protesting  against  the  party  putting  it- 
self on  record  as  approving  of  such  measures;  and  as  a  result 
of  such  a  flood  of  protests,  backed  by  the  forceful  argument  of 
Mr,  Emery,  the  objectionable  planks  were  stricken  from  the 
platform  after  they  had  been  adopted  by  the  resolutions  com- 
mittee." "2 

The  Association  has  claimed  credit  for  the  part  it  played 
in  this  matter,  so  there  can  hardly  be  any  reasonable  doubt 
as  to  its  political  activities  on  this  one  occasion.  While  it 
did  not  attempt  to  influence  the  Democratic  platform  in 
1908,  its  passed  resolutions  authorizing  and  instructing  its 
President  to  select  a  committee  to  attempt  to  prevent  certain 
labor  planks  from  being  adopted  in  the  platforms  of  either 
party.  It  made  an  effort  to  influence  both  Democratic  and 
Republican  platforms  in  1912,^^^  and  accordingly  it  cannot 
be  charged  with  being  at  all  times  partisan  to  the  Republican 
Party,  although  it  usually  favors  that  party  for  its  friendly 
attitude  towards  business.  In  1920,  the  N.  A.  M.  outlined 
a  "  Platform  for  American  Industry,"  submitted  it  to  both 
Republican  and  Democratic  Parties,  and  urged  employers 
to  work  for  the  adoption  of  the  planks  found  therein.  Both 
parties,  at  the  solicitation  of  the  N.  A.  M.,  accepted  some 
of  the  ideas  in  the  Platform,  but  the  Republican  Party  em- 
bodied a  number  of  the  planks  almost  verbatim  in  its  plat- 
form.^'* 

Political  Campaigns. —  The  Association  did  not  openly 
and  vigorously  engage  in  politics  until  1906.  Prior  to  that 
date,  its  political  activities  are  hinted  at  in  its  publications. 
In  1904,  for  instance,  we  read,  "  At  last  the  business  ele- 
ments and  the  good  citizenship  are  coming  to  the  support  of 
the  men  in  public  life."  ^'^  According  to  John  Kirby,  the  As- 
sociation "  has  wielded  a  tremendous  influence  ...  in 
making  ineffective  the  political  boycott  in  the  last  general 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         327 

election  [1906],  when  the  stamp  of  'unfair'  was  placed 
upon  all  candidates  for  re-election  to  Congress  who  ex- 
ercised the  courage  of  their  convictions  with  respect  to  the 
anti-injunction  and  eight-hour  bills  and  who  without  ex- 
ception were  're-elected  in  their  respective  districts."  ^'^* 
Charles  E.  Littlefield  of  Maine  was  one  of  the  representa- 
tives whom  the  Association  aided  in  nominating  and  elect- 
ing.^^'^  Although  the  Association  has  endorsed  and  aided 
other  candidates  for  public  office,  it  has  not  bestowed  upon 
any  of  them  as  high  an  endorsement  as  it  has  given  to 
Littlefield  in  the  form  of  laudatory  resolutions.^'^  Among 
the  other  men  that  the  Association  supported  in  1906  are 
Joseph  G.  Cannon,  Barthold  of  Missouri,  Jenkins  of  Wis- 
consin and  others  whom  the  Association  leaders  seem  to 
have  believed  it  unwise  to  name.^'^ 

The  Association  took  an  active  part  in  the  campaign  of 
1908.  The  legislative  fight  in  Washington  was  transferred 
to  the  Republican  Convention,  and  then  into  the  open  field  of 
political  appeals  and  attacks.^  *^  A  severe  attack  was  made 
upon  Bryan  and  the  Democratic  platform  by  the  President 
of  the  Association,  Van  Cleave,  and  its  Counsel,  Emery. 
Van  Cleave  said  among  other  things, ''  The  result  of  the  con- 
vention has  made  it  the  duty  of  tlie  employing  interests  re- 
gardless of  party  to  bury  Bryan  and  Bryanism  under  such 
an  avalanche  of  votes  tlmt  the  work  will  not  harue  to  he 
done  over  again  in  igi2."  ^^^  In  this  he  appealed  to  the 
employing  class,  but  later  in  the  campaign  he  widened  his 
appeal  to  the  entire  capitalist  class  by  saying,  "  Because  of 
Mr.  Bryan's  public  advocacy  of  such  issues  as  government 
ownership,  guaranteeing  of  bank  deposits,  anti-injunction 
legislation,  tariff  for  revenue  only,  business  franchises,  and 
his  failure  to  deny  his  known  attitude  toward  the  free  coin- 
age of  silver,  it  is  imperative  that  business  men  of  all  classes, 
regardless  of  politics,  oppose  Mr.  Bryan  at  the  polls}^ 
Emery  said  in  part  that,  "  Stripped  of  its  obscurities,  the 


328  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

court  plank  of  the  Democratic  platform  means  the  invasion 
of  the  judicial  power  by  the  legislative  and  the  upsetting  of 
the  fundamental  division  of  our  powers  of  government. 
It  masks  a  serious  danger  in  American  institutions."  ^^^ 
Editorials  in  the  official  publication  of  the  Association  — 
American  Industries  —  were  as  distinctly  political  in  char- 
acter as  those  in  a  partisan  newspaper,  but  the  partisanship 
was  in  the  interests  of  the  employer,  not  of  a  party  ma- 
chine.^** American  Industries  as  early  as  March  i,  1908, 
displayed  in  large  type  on  the  front  cover  the  following: 
"  Go  into  politics !  Employers  must  fight  labor  class  legisla- 
tion, and  must  fight  it  now.  The  battle  is  for  good  govern- 
ment for  capital  and  labor  alike,  for  personal  liberty  for 
every  man  in  the  community,  of  every  station  and  occupation, 
and  for  honest,  stalwart,  clean-handed  Americanism.  Go 
into  politics !  ^^^  In  the  face  of  its  own  official  statements, 
it  seems  idle  for  its  leaders  to  say,  as  they  have,  that :  "  The 
Association  is  not  in  politics,  it  never  has  been  in  politics,  it 
is  safe  to  say  that  it  never  will  be."  ^^®  Nor  are  matters 
helped  when  its  leaders  say  that  Van  Cleave,  for  instance, 
acted  as  an  individual,  or  when  they  point  out  that  its  great 
political  accomplishments  were  due  to  a  sub-organization.^^'^ 
Its  politics  might  be  characterized  as  bi-partisan,  as  its  mem- 
bers were  to  drop  all  party  affiliations  and  watchwords, 
and  the  partisan  badge,  Republican  or  Democrat,  which  a 
candidate  carried  must  not  count  for  anything  with  them; 
so  reads  the  repeated  advice  given  them.^*^  Nevertheless, 
the  Association  worked  for  Mr.  Taft  so  effectively  that  its 
"  work  told  decisively  in  the  general  result.  Never  before  in 
any  campaign,  not  even  in  1896,  did  the  business  element 
of  the  country  rally  so  promptly  or  work  so  harmoniously, 
enthusiastically  or  efifectively,  as  in  1908.  .  .  .  One  of  Mr. 
Taft's  first  utterances  after  the  election  was  that,  in  a  large 
degree,  he  owed  his  victory  to  the  support  which  the  busi- 
ness men  of  all  parties  gave  him."  ^**     That  its  action  was 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         329 

partisan  before  the  campaign  was  over  is  clear  from  the  ap- 
peal of  Mr,  Van  Cleave  quoted  above,  but  its  support  of 
Mr.  Taft  and  generally  of  Republican  candidates  for  Con- 
gress, shows  that  it  does  not  want  its  enemies  elected  and  its 
friends  defeated. ^^*^  The  Association  is  made  up  of  manu- 
facturers, a  majority  of  whom  favor  the  Republican  princi- 
ple of  a  protective  tariff,  to  secure  which  was  one  of  the 
purposes  for  the  formation  of  the  Association. 

Political  Endorsements  and  Condemnations. —  Its 
political  activities  have  continued  since  1908.  Even  in 
19 14,  following  close  on  the  noted  Mulhall  exposure  of  its 
political  activities,  the  Association  adopted  a  resolution  to 
support  its  friends  and  oppose  its  enemies  for  public  of- 
fice, as  follows: 

"  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  patriotic  duty  of  the  individual 
members  of  this  Association  in  their  respective  communities 
to  encourage  and  endorse  the  honest  efforts  of  those  who  are 
faithfully  endeavoring  to  foster  constructive  thought  and  meas- 
ures in  State  and  National  Legislation  and  to  appeal  earnestly 
to  American  citizenship  to  condemn  and  displace  those  self- 
appointed  or  politically  promoted  demagogues  who  seek  to 
perpetuate  themselves  in  the  administration  of  public  affairs 
by  any  means  or  measure,  no  matter  what  the  economic  effect 
so  long  as  such  seem  to  promise  temporary  popular  votes. 

"Resolved  further,  That  the  members  of  this  Association  be 
asked  to  distribute  this  resolution  widely  in  their  respective 
communities."  "^ 

A  close  reading  of  the  literature  of  the  Association  from 
1903  to  date  will  show  in  a  general  way  that  it  made  no 
serious  attempt  to  conceal  its  political  activities,  such  as  were 
"  revealed  "  in  the  noted  Lobby  Investigations.  This  liter- 
ature indicates  in  addition  that  the  Association  took  more 
than  ordinary  interest  in  the  appointment  of  the  judges  of 
the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States ;  in  fact,  it  gives  the 
highest  endorsement  to  the  appointments  by  President  Taft 


330  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

of  Charles  E.  Hughes  and  Horace  H.  Lurton.^^^  These 
activities  may  well  be  summarized  here.  The  Association 
has  endorsed,  or  supported,  Cannon,  Bartholdt,  Jenkins, 
Malby,  Watson,  Smoot,  Fowler,  Charles  E.  Hughes, 
Brantley,  Nye,  Hoke  Smith,  Brown  of  Georgia,  Littlefield, 
McCall,  Longworth,  Crumpacker,  Hepburn,  Sherman, 
Harding  and  Taf t ;  and  in  fact  practically  all  public  officials 
who  have  won  the  enmity  of  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor.^^^  One  of  the  purposes  of  the  much-discussed  "  war 
fund  "  was  to  aid  certain  members  of  Congress  and  of  the 
state  legislatures  against  the  political  attacks  of  organized 
labor.^^*  On  the  other  hand,  the  Association  has  opposed 
or  condemned  all  the  public  officials  noted  for  their  support 
of  labor-union  measures.  This  opposition  has  sometimes 
been  conducted  by  a  published  list  of  the  votes  of  such  men 
on  measures  strenuously  opposed  by  the  Association, ^^° 
sometimes  by  a  reprint  of  the  "  white  list "  of  the  Ameri- 
can Federation  of  Labor,  so  it  could  serve  as  a  "  blacklist  " 
for  the  manufacturers.^ ^^  Among  the  members  of  Con- 
gress who  have  been  thus  listed  are  La  Follette,  Jones, 
Pomerene,  Thomas  and  Norris  —  all  senators  ^®^ — and 
Wilson,  Lee,  Martin,  Cary,  Berger,  Hughes,  Buchanan,  Mc- 
Dermott,  Lewis,  Smith,  Anderson,  Sherwood,  Roberts, 
Farr  and  Maher  —  all  representatives.^^^  It  is  interesting 
to  note  that  McDermott  was  on  the  list  at  one  time,  yet  he 
figured  prominently  in  the  Mulhall  exposure  as  a  Congress- 
man charged  with  having  rendered  valuable  but  questionable 
services  to  the  manufacturers.  There  are  other  cases 
similar  to  this,  where  denouncements  have  turned  into  en- 
dorsements or  vice  versa.  In  1906,  Roosevelt  was  endorsed 
in  the  very  highest  terms,  but  later  condemned  as  a  dan- 
gerous damagogue.^^^  In  another  case,  Curtis  Guild,  Jr., 
was  denounced  in  the  strongest  terms,  but  later  rose  so  in 
the  favor  of  the  manufacturers  that  he  became  one  of  the 
principal  speakers  at  the  annual  banquet  of  the  Associa- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         331 

tion.^*^  To  appear  thus  before  the  manufacturers  of  the 
country  is  to  have  an  unusual  opportunity  to  plead  one's 
cause  with  the  employing  class,  or  to  receive  the  applause 
of  employers  for  services  rendered.^*'^  This  privilege  has 
been  conferred  upon  Cannon,  Beveridge,  Brantley,  Little- 
field,  Nye,  Fowler,  Taft,  Charles  E.  Hughes,  Straus,  Wat- 
son, Speer,  Shaw,  Fordney,  Hedges,  Mudd,  Hanson,  Nagel 
and  Harding  and  on  some  of  them  repeatedly .^'^^  Some- 
times the  toastmaster  has  informed  the  Association,  that  the 
speaker  has  rendered  great  service  to  the  Association,  and 
sometimes  the  speaker  has  related  the  stirring  events  in  the 
fight  that  he  has  made  in  support  of  the  principles  of  the 
Association.^^  Hon.  Charles  Nagel  in  his  banquet  ad- 
dress admitted  that  Mr.  Emery  and  others  of  the  N.  A.  M. 
gave  him  the  Association's  viewpoint.^^*  The  Association 
usually  places  on  its  "  white  list  "  those  congressmen  that  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor  "  blacklists."  One  of  these 
double  lists  contains  the  names  of  Jenkins  of  Wisconsin, 
Parker  of  New  Jersey,  Alexander  of  New  York,  Littlefield 
of  Maine,  Nevin  of  Ohio,  Palmer  of  Pennsylvania,  Gillett 
of  California,  Terrell  of  Massachusetts,  Sterling  of  Illinois, 
and  Foster  of  Indiana, —  these  men  are  on  the  union  "  black- 
list," and  so  on  the  Association's  "  white  list,"  while  the  re- 
verse holds  for  the  other  Republican  members,  Birdsall  of 
Iowa,  and  Pearre  of  Maryland,  and  all  the  Democratic  mem- 
bers of  the  house  Judiciary  Committee  at  that  time,  1906.^*^'^ 
The  Association  has  urged  members  to  find  out  the  mem- 
bers of  Congress  who  vote  against  labor  legislation  and 
support  these,  and  to  get  the  names  of  those  who  have  voted 
for  such  legislation  "  and  see  that  they  do  not  go  back  "  to 
Congress.^®*  Its  leaders  have  solicited  members  to  break 
party  lines,  to  forget  party  affiliations,  yet  at  times  have  ad- 
vocated the  formation  of  a  new  political  party  based  on  the 
principles  of  the  Association.^*'^  They,  however,  decided 
that  the  undertaking  was  too  great  for  the  time  being,^**® 


332  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

and  after  the  Republican  Party,  apparently  frightened  by 
this  threat,  had  adopted  a  "  sane  "  platform  and  nominated 
a  "safe"  candidate  for  President  in  1912,  they  satisfied 
themselves  by  making  a  severe  condemnation  of  the  Demo- 
cratic and  Progressive  parties,  and  an  unqualified  endorse- 
ment of  the  Republican-Party  platform  and  candidates.^*^® 
In  general,  the  Association  has  been  one  of  Taft's  strongest 
supporters.  Its  endorsement  of  him  in  1909  was  of  the 
highest,  and  among  other  very  commendatory  things,  it 
said  of  him,  "  We  have  confidence  not  only  in  Mr.  Taft's 
integrity  and  public  spirit,  but  also  in  his  progressiveness 
and  balance."  ^^^  But  it  had  to  whip  him  into  line,  partly 
by  an  article  on  "  Where  Does  Taft  Stand?  "  when  he  played 
to  the  labor  vote  in  a  public  address. ^^^  His  appointments 
of  justices  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  were 
heartily  concurred  in  by  the  Association.^^^  Association 
leaders  endorsed  Mr.  W.  G.  Harding  for  the  Presidency  of 
the  United  States  a  number  of  years  ago,  and  naturally  sup- 
ported him  in  the  pre-convention  and  pre-election  cam- 
paigns.^^ ^  His  election  was  a  triumph  for  the  manufac- 
turers, and  a  crushing  defeat  for  unionism.  The  Associa- 
tion "  commended,  approved  and  endorsed  "  Charles  Nagel 
as  Secretary  of  Commerce  and  Labor,  but  opposed  the  ap- 
pointment of  William  B.  Wilson  as  Secretary  of  Labor,  and 
has  condemned  him  as  Secretary  as  it  formerly  censured 
him  as  Congressman. ^^^  Gifford  Pinchot  has  likewise  been 
condemned  for  "  inciting  class  hatred.^*^  The  Administra- 
tion of  President  Wilson  has  also  come  in  for  condemna- 
tion for  its  "hostility  to  business."  ^^^  Mr.  Hughes  was 
supported  for  President  of  the  United  States  in  19 16,  and 
one  of  his  strong  attacks  upon  the  Democratic  Regime  seems 
to  have  originated  with  or  to  have  been  first  expounded 
fully  by  Mr.  Emery.^^'^ 

Expose  Labor  Vote ;  Urge  Business  Men  to  Go  into 
Politics. —  The  Association  has  repeatedly  stated  that  labor 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  333 

threats  mean  nothing,  and  that  the  labor  vote  cannot  be  de- 
Hvered,  It  does  this  in  order  to  convince  politicians  that 
they  need  not  fear  an  adverse  labor  vote  for  opposing  labor 
measures,  and  that  they  cannot  depend  for  election  upon  the 
unions ;  —  in  reality,  this  is  the  method  by  which  the  Asso- 
ciation frequently  boasts  of  its  political  victories,^^^  It 
has  importuned  business  men  to  go  into  politics  all  along  the 
line  —  to  take  part  in  the  various  political  meetings,  the 
primaries  and  the  conventions,  as  well  as  in  the  general 
elections.  It  has  practically  adopted  as  a  slogan,  "  Send 
Business  Men  to  Congress."  Business  men  are  importuned 
to  become  candidates  for  public  office,  and  to  seek  places 
on  administrative  tribunals  and  commissions.  It  has  com- 
plained of  the  lack  of  business  men  in  Congress,  and  has 
agitated  for  "  more  business  men  and  fewer  lawyers  in 
Congress,"  ^^^  "  more  business  men  in  Congress,  more  busi- 
ness men  in  the  Legislature,  more  business  men  at  the  polls 
on  election  day,"  ^^^  and  had  pointed  out  that  "  The  business 
man  has  been  going  to  the  courts  when  he  ought  to  go  to 
the  legislature."  ^^^  American  Industries  has  published  an 
article  advocating  that  corporations  lend  their  officials,  on 
full  pay,  as  candidates  for  public  office  and  as  public  of- 
ficials, on  the  ground  that  it  is  "  far  better  for  business  to 
make  its  contributions  to  Congress  in  men  than  in  money 
and  in  the  open  rather  than  by  the  insidious  methods  of 
intrigue  and  the  lobby."  ^^^  In  a  propaganda  sense,  the 
Association  has  been  continuously  in  politics,  condemning 
political  agitators,  reformers  and  socialists,  and  their  parties 
and  measures, ^^^  but  as  to  "  practical  politics  ^^^  it  has  not 
always  been  willing  to  concede  its  activities  such  as  the 
above  statements  by  their  leaders  would  seem  to  prove  when 
taken  in  connection  wath  these  admissions :  "  The  business 
men  were  in  politics  in  1908,  and  they  intend  to  stay  in 
politics."  ^^^  "  Frank  admission  was  made  by  James  A. 
Emery   that   the   National   Association   of    Manufacturers 


334  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

maintained  a  watch  on  Congressmen  who  took  a  conspicu- 
ous part  in  labor  legislation  and  that  the  organization  op- 
posed such  men  in  political  campaigns."  ^^®  "  This  Asso- 
ciation cheerfully  admits  its  participation  in  the  campaign 
against  it  in  the  last  national  political  contest,  in  which  Gom- 
perism  suffered  a  humiliating  defeat  at  the  polls."  ^^'^  It 
complains  that  it  has  "  been  made  the  football  of  politics."  ^^® 
As  to  the  Mulhall  exposure,  a  few  words  of  testimony 
from  Mr.  Watson,  given  in  1909,  show  that  Mulhall  was 
not  alone  in  his  political  work,  that  others  took  part,  doubt- 
less, in  not  so  discreditable  a  manner  as  Mulhall  said  he  did : 

"  When  my  friend  Littlefield,  and  dear  friend  Charlie 
Fowler,  who  always  does  the  right  thing,  and  I  went  to  Con- 
gress, the  organization  assembled  here  to-night  was  not  so 
forceful  as  it  is  now,  and  men  who  wanted  to  do  things 
along  the  right  lines  were  not  intelligently  and  forcefully 
backed  up  and  reinforced,  and  therefore  men  who  wanted 
to  do  the  right  thing  felt  that  they  would  take  their  political 
lives  in  their  hands  and  march  to  martyrdom.  It  is  not  so  now. 
With  you  gentlemen  intelligently  and  forcefully  hacking  up 
Congressmen  who  stand  for  right  principle  and  right  action 
and  correct  legislation,  there  need  he  no  doubt  as  to  the  future. 
I  congratulate  my  friend  here  upon  the  splendid  work  he  has 
achieved,  for  no  more  gallant  knight  ever  buckled  on  a  sword 
and  went  out  to  the  conflict  than  my  friend  Van  Cleave.  The 
same  is  true  of  my  old  Hoosier  friend  here.  Parry,  and  others 
of  this  splendid  organization,  and  I  am  glad  to  mention  the 
names  of  Schwedtman  and  Emery  and  Mulhall  and  Miles  and 
Cobb  and  Towne  and  all  these  other  men  who  from  time  to 
time  have  come  to  Washington  to  lend  their  efforts  along 
correct  lines  and  in  the  proper  way."  ^^^ 

Defending  the  Courts. —  In  judicial  matters  the  Associa- 
tion has  received  no  prominence  as  it  has  left  the  matter  of 
litigation  to  the  American  Anti-Boycott  Association,^^®  or 
League  for  Industrial  Rights.  It  has,  however,  been  one  of 
the  staunchest  defenders  of  the  courts  in  the  issuance  of  in- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         335 

junctions  and  in  declaring  laws  unconstitutional  —  an  ex- 
ercise of  powers  that  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  has 
fought  in  relation  to  labor  disputes  and  labor  laws.^*^  It 
has  not  hesitated,  however,  to  condemn  a  judge  for  "  in- 
cendiary language  and  encouraging  violence  "  when  he  gave 
a  decision  in  favor  of  a  "  union  conspiracy."  ^'^  Before 
the  thorough  organization  of  the  American  Anti-Boycott 
Association  in  1903,  the  National  Association  of  Manufac- 
turers authorized  the  selection  of  additional  counsel  to  de- 
fend members  by  means  of  injunctions  so  that  union  slug- 
gers might  not  intimidate  "  strike-breakers,"  ^^^  but  it  has 
generally  limited  itself  to  a  propaganda  for  law  enforcement 
in  labor  disputes  rather  than  to  undertaking  litigation.^^* 

Law  Enforcement. —  Law  enforcement  against  criminal 
unionists  is  demanded  by  the  Association  with  much  the 
same  vigor  that  it  complains  against  too  many  laws  and  op- 
poses labor  laws.  It  has  pled  for  law  enforcement  as  a 
means  to  check  radicalism.^^*^  It  has  urged  "  upon  the  Fed- 
eral and  State  authorities  to  investigate  vigorously  and 
thoroughly  all  labor  organisations  and  where  their  acts  are 
found  to  be  illegal  and  in  restraint  of  trade  or  commerce, 
or  otherwise  in  violation  of  law,  to  punish  the  parties  re- 
sponsible for  every  such  violation  according  to  the  punish- 
ment prescribed  therefor."  ^^^  Members  have  been  thus  in- 
structed :  "  Get  busy  with  the  officers  of  the  law  who  have 
not  upheld  the  law  and  who  have  not  been  honestly  and 
earnestly  enforcing  it  and  punishing  those  who  violate  the 
law  and  who  have  been  and  are  still  law-breakers  and  head- 
breakers  striking  at  the  liberties  of  men  and  our  institu- 
tions." ^^'^  That  it  had  more  than  usual  interest  in  the  pros- 
ecution of  the  McNamaras  is  shown  (i)  by  the  reception 
that  it  gave  to  the  prosecuting  attorney,  John  D.  Fredericks, 
on  the  occasion  of  his  visit  to  New  York,  where  a  hundred 
or  more  members  met  him  and  commended  him  for  his  suc- 
cess in  that  case,^^®  and  (2)  by  President  Kirby's  remark  to 


336  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  members  at  the  eighteenth  annual  convention  that  they 
"  were  largely  responsible  for  setting  the  wheels  of  justice 
in  motion."  ^^^ 

Instances  of  its  progaganda  activity  for  law  enforcement 
are  to  be  found  in  the  publication  of  court  decisions  in  cer- 
tain cases;  and  the  results  of  that  propaganda,  according  to 
the  leaders  of  the  Association,  have  been  that  "  the  courts 
have  taken  the  same  attitude  towards  the  unions  that  the  As- 
sociation has  taken  "  from  the  beginning  of  its  aggressive 
career.^^*^  It  has  shown  that  cities  are  liable  for  damages 
to  property  resulting  from  the  lack  of  protection  by  the 
police  during  labor  troubles,  and  that  it  is  to  the  interest  of 
the  municipality  to  enforce  the  laws  during  such  times.^*^ 
It  has  pointed  out  that  closed-shop  agreements  are  unlaw- 
ful,^*2  and  given  much  publicity  to  all  favorable  court  de- 
cisions, for  example,  to  show  that  the  use  of  force  makes  a 
strike  unlawful,  or  such  as  was  rendered  in  the  Danbury 
Hatters'  case.^^^ 

The  Association's  Propaganda  is  clearly  the  most  exten- 
sive of  any  association  in  the  field,  both  in  number  of  pieces 
of  literature  and  in  the  range  of  classes  that  the  organiza- 
tion attempts  to  influence.  It  attempts  to  impress  "  upon  the 
workingmen  of  this  country  the  fact  that  their  employers  are 
their  friends,"  ^"'^  as  well  as  to  convince  employers  that  their 
interest  lies  in  hearty  co-operation  with  the  Association,  and 
to  make  politicians  believe  that  it  is  unwise  to  enact  legisla- 
tion regarded  as  inimical  to  the  interests  of  the  employer. 
The  underlying  theory  of  this  propaganda  is  that  "  Public 
opinion  is  the  guiding  force  in  this  nation  today."  ^'*^  The 
Association  is  thus  endeavoring  to  offset  the  campaign  of  the 
unionists  and  reformers,  and  it  gives  reasons  such  as  these 
for  this  activity : 

"  The  newer  issues  —  those  which  are  caused  by  a  deter- 
mination of  some  of  the  labor  union  leaders  to  terrorize  Presi- 
dent, Congress,  judge  and  juries,  and  make  the  labor  societies 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         337 

a  favored  order  in  the  community  —  we  must  combat  by  edu- 
cating employers  and  people  in  the  principles  of  good  citizen- 
ship, and  by  closer  co-operation  among  the  various  societies 
of  employers.^*® 

"We  find  the  cause  of  industry  today  confronted  by  many 
enemies.  The  trade  unions  seem  to  be  honeycombed  with 
them,  the  socialists  are  meeting  with  favor  in  high  places,  and 
there  seems  to  be  a  growing  sentiment  among  the  people  antag- 
onistic to  conditions  essential  for  the  best  industrial  develop- 
ment. Industry  unquestionably  has  its  battles  to  fight,  and  it 
needs  strong,  earnest  men  to  fight  them,  and  also  strong  ear- 
nest organizations.  Such  an  organization  is  the  National  Asso- 
ciation of  Manufacturers."  **^ 

The  Association,  in  19 14,  resolved  to  extend  its  propa- 
ganda "  through  as  many  and  various  channels  as  possible  to 
the  end  that  public  opinion  may  encourage  and  stimulate  all 
those  forces  which  generate  our  industrial  life,"  because 
"  Success  now  in  a  material  sense  seems  to  be  regarded  by 
many  as  wholly  inconsistent  with  personal  integrity  and 
business  probity."  ^^^  The  channels  and  means  used  in  the 
past  have  been  its  own  official  publication,  American  Indus- 
tries; its  pamphlets,  "  Educational  Literature  "  and  others ; 
convention  reports;  magazines  such  as  the  Century;  and 
speakers,  usually  its  own  officers.  It  has  also  proposed 
to  put  out  propaganda  literature  as  "  public  news  "  and  not 
as  issuing  from  the  Association  on  the  assumption  that  mat- 
ter issued  under  the  Association's  stamp  "  is  naturally 
discounted."  ^^^ 

American  Industries. —  The  Association  began  its  prop- 
aganda, or  "  educational  "  campaign  in  1902  with  the  publi- 
cation of  American  Industries  on  August  15  of  that  year, 
and  a  great  part  of  its  propaganda  has  been  conducted  by 
means  of  that  instrumentality  ever  since.  It  preaches  the 
gospel  of  the  employer.^^**  Its  first  editorials  more  openly 
recognized  the  conflict  than  many  later  ones,  for  the  manu- 


338  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

facturer  was  thus  appealed  to:  "If  the  time  to  prepare  for 
war  is  when  peace  broods  over  a  country  happy  and  undis- 
turbed, then  he  cannot  afford  to  think  lightly  of  this  great 
issue  of  the  day  " ;  ^^^  while  labor  leaders  and  lobbyists  were 
charged  with  having  brought  on  the  conflict :  "  They  have 
brought  on  the  issue  of  the  day.  Will  the  manufacturers 
meet  this  united  onslaught  upon  their  own  best  interests  — 
and,  as  it  happens,  unfortunately,  upon  the  best  interests  of 
the  country  and  of  every  community  in  it  that  has  in  it  the 
good  red  blood  of  industrial  life?  "  ^"  The  character  and 
function  of  this  publication  have  thus  been  described  in  its 
own  pages: 

"American  Industries,  the  official  organ  in  magazine  form  of 
the  Association,  is  published  monthly  and  circulated  among  the 
manufacturing  and  other  business  classes  of  the  United  States. 
This  magazine  does  not  encroach  on  the  special  fields  of  the 
trade  periodicals,  but  is  devoted  to  the  enlightenment  of  the 
public  generally  on  questions  of  the  day,  having  direct  connec- 
tion with  such  economic  conditions  as  labor,  immigration,  in- 
dustrial education,  development  of  international  commerce  and 
similar  important  subjects  of  national  interest."  ^^^ 

"  Through  its  official  organ,  American  Industries,  which  has 
a  wide  circulation  among  manufacturers,  statesmen,  educators 
and  working  men,  the  Association  is  constantly  engaged  in  in- 
fluencing public  opinion  to  take  not  a  one-sided  but  a  broad 
minded  view  of  the  great  industrial  problems  which  have  in 
recent  years  so  pressed  for  a  solution."  ^^* 

"  It  is  freely  circulated  among  Congressmen  and  other  Gov- 
ernment officials,  social  clubs  and  commercial  organizations. 
.  .  .  The  employer  of  labor,  wherever  located,  is  now  beginning 
to  realize  that  only  in  American  Industries  will  be  found  the 
latest  and  most  accurate  news  of  local  and  general  labor  ac- 
tivities." "6 

"American  Industries,  the  manufacturer's  magazine,  is  the 
authoritative  exponent  of  the  interests  of  the  employers  of 
America,  reflecting  every  phase  of  their  activities  in  the  indus- 
trial arena."  "6 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  339 

Employers  have  been  urged  to  distribute  the  magazine 
"  educationally  "  as  a  means  for  establishing  the  "  open 
shop  "  widely,  and  the  United  States  Steel  Corporation  has 
been  held  up  as  a  model  to  other  employers  as  an  "  open- 
shop  "  concern : 

"A  hint  to  you,  Mr.  Employer.  The  United  States  Steel 
Corporation  employs  120,000  expert  workmen.  In  1901  three- 
fourths  of  the  force  consisted  of  union  men ;  today  every  single 
one  of  its  many  plants  is  conducted  upon  open-shop  rules. 
This  great  corporation  believes  in  the  labor  principle  of  the 
National  Association  of  Manufacturers  that  '  employers  must 
be  free  to  employ  their  own  people  at  wages  mutually  satis- 
factory, without  interference  or  dictation  on  the  part  of  the 
individuals  or  organizations  not  directly  parties  to  such  con- 
tracts.' 

"  Mr.  Employer,  you  are  interested  in  the  open-shop  move- 
ment based  upon  this  principle.  American  Industries  is  the 
official  organ  of  the  movement.  The  very  least  that  you  can  do 
in  your  own  interest  and  in  the  interest  of  the  cause  is  to 
place  copies  of  American  Industries  where  they  will  do  some 
good.     We  can  tell  you  how."  ^^^ 

Although  its  purpose  has  been  to  "  assist  in  the  solving  of 
industrial  problems  and  industrial  differences,"  ^^^  it  seems 
not  to  have  accomplished  all  that  was  expected  of  it,  for  its 
partial  failure  is  stated  as  follows  by  an  Association 
leader : 

"  Our  American  Industries  goes  out  in  an  educational  way, 
but  it  does  not  reach  the  masses  of  the  people.  We  must  reach 
them.  It  is  absolutely  essential  that  we  do  or  our  organization 
and  our  Council  is  going  to  fall  back,  and  back.  .  The  sug- 
gestion we  have  to  offer  is  that  this  Association  establish  a 
bureau  to  send  out  its  doctrine  and  if  necessary  pay  for  its 
publication  in  the  leading  papers  of  the  United  States.  It  is 
an  enormous  undertaking ;  it  will  cost  a  great  amount  of  money. 
And  yet  it  will  pay  a  good  dividend  and  we  believe  ...  it  is 
absolutely  the  only  solution  of  the  question."  ^" 


340  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

The  fact  is  that  many  of  the  members  of  the  Association 
do  not  read  American  Industries. ^^^ 

Influencing  the  Press. —  While  the  Association  has  not 
yet  taken  up  the  matter  systematically,  it  has  made  through 
its  leaders,  various  attempts  to  influence  the  press,  on  the 
grounds  that  the  press  molds  public  opinion  and  public 
opinion  makes  the  laws.^^^  The  Association  has  been  espe- 
cially desirous  of  influencing  the  publications  that  reach  the 
vvorkingman,  so  as  to  get  its  side. before  him,  and  counteract 
radical  agitation.^®^  In  doing  this,  the  Association  has 
urged  upon  employers  the  patronage  of  friendly  publica- 
tions and  the  withdrawal  of  advertising  from  the  unfriendly 
ones.  In  other  words,  it  engages  in  a  form  of  "  boycot- 
ting." American  Inditstries,  in  November,  191 1,  calls  a 
"  Union  Labor's  Preferred  Trading  Register,"  "  A  new 
form  of  boycott, "2^^  yet  it  has  published  lists  of  "  Open- 
Shop  Concerns,"  and  even  reprinted  the  "  We  Don't  Patron- 
ize "  lists  of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  so  that  the 
members  of  the  Association  could  use  those  for  Patronage 
Lists.2°^  One  of  its  head-lines  reads  in  regard  to  the  unions, 
"  How  they  boycott  magazines ;  papers  for  others  to  pat- 
ronize." ^^^  An  Association  leader  has  wished  to  declare 
a  "  boycott  "  on  all  "  labor  "  papers : 

"  In  other  words,  Mr.  Advertiser,  who  must  from  necessity 
be  an  employer,  you  are  not  only  not  assisting  the  members  of  a 
labor  union  in  placing  your  advertisement  in  a  labor  journal, 
but  you  are  furnishing  part  of  the  money  which  is  being  used 
to  inflame  your  employees  against  you  and  stir  up  the  worst 
possible  kind  of  class  hatred  not  only  against  yourself  and 
other  manufacturers  but  against  the  honest  workmen  employed 
by  you,  who  may  object  to  joining  any  organization  which  at- 
tempts to  create  class  hatred."  2°® 

In  this  case,  the  advice  was  published  in  a  section  of 
American  Industries  devoted  to  communications  for  which 
it  did  not  -assume  responsibility.     But  when  Ex-President 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         341 

Kirby  called  upon  the  Railway  Age  Gazette  to  retract  a 
statement  that  the  Association  was  engaged  in  a  campaign  to 
destroy  unionism,  he  said  rather  plainly  that,  "  Many  mem- 
bers of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  are 
readers  and  supporters  of  your  worthy  publication,  and 
they  expect  you  to  correct  the  objectionable  reference  ta 
their  organization."  ^"'^  And  in  a  signed  statement  as  to 
the  means  of  greatly  lessening  anti-employer  agitation  and 
thus  ending  the  unrest  he  declares  that,  "  This  condition  will 
change  only  as  advertisers  withdraw  their  support  from 
newspapers  and  other  publications  which  seek  circulation 
through  means  that  are  destructive  of  the  real  .welfare  of 
the  people  and  especially  damaging  to  the  interests  of  those 
who  support  them  with  their  advertising."  ^^^  Further- 
more, business  men  are  told  that  all  the  legislation  unfavor- 
able to  the  employer  is  the  result  largely  of  their  failure  to 
boycott  the  "  muck-raking  "  publications.^^®  On  the  other 
hand,  other  publications  have  been  recommended  for  pat- 
ronage, for  instance : 

"  Among  the  magazines,  the  Century  has  been  foremost  in 
the  publication  of  articles  condemning  the  lawless  and  unjust 
methods  of  labor  unions.  Many  highly  commendable  articles 
of  such  character  have  not  only  appeared  in  its  pages,  but  they 
have  been  printed  in  pamphlet  form  as  well,  and  freely  dis- 
tributed. I  need  hardly  say  to  you  that  such  publications  should 
receive  our  patronage  in  preference  -to  those  whose  columns 
and  pages  are  filled  with  cheap  sensational  trash  tending  to  breed 
discontent,  chaos  and  anarchy,  and  it  is  well  that  we  remember 
this."  "0 

The  Sunset  Magazine  was  highly  recommended  to  busi- 
ness men,  by  a  resolution,  for  its  articles  on  unionism  in 
the  ship-building  plants.^'^^ 

The  N.  A.  M.  tries  to  stifle  all  radical  agitation.  In  1908, 
the  Association  adopted  a  resolution  condemning  **  the  ex- 
cesses of  agitation  under  the  guise  of  moral  crusade,  such  as 


34^2  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

child  labor,  railway  reform,  and  similar  movements."  The 
resolutions  as  originally  presented  included  prohibition.^^^ 

In  1920,  the  Association  took  further  steps  to  stifle  agi- 
tation that  might  cause  social  unrest.  It  adopted  a  resolu- 
tion which  declared  that  it  was  the  duty  of  every  business 
man  to  challenge  any  statement  in  the  public  press,  if  he 
knew  such  statement  to  be  untrue  or  misleading  and  which 
might  cause  social  unrest;  and  the  Board  of  Directors  was 
asked  to  consider  the  proposal  for  a  "  publicity  campaign," 
"  A  nation-wide  drive  to  furnish  all  of  our  people  the  single 
fundamental  facts  which  must  be  the  basis  of  successful  in- 
dustry and  successful  industrial  nations."  ^^^  For  the  year 
1919—20,  the  Association  had  spent  the  sum  of  $5,484.68 
for  publicity."* 

"  Educational  Literature  "  and  Other  Publications. — 
The  Association  has  issued  many  publications  other  than 
American  Industries,  designed  to  influence  public  opinion 
as  to  matters  in  which  the  organization  was  interested. 
Among  its  early  pamphlets  are  "  Disastrous  Effects  of  a 
National  Eight-Hour  Law"  by  David  M.  Parry,  "Eight 
Hours  by  Act  of  Congress;  Arbitrary,  Needless,  Destruc- 
tive, Dangerous,"  and  "  True  Meaning  of  the  Open  Shop," 
by  James  Van  Cleave.  But  more  recently,  a  series  of  "  Edu- 
cational Literature  "  has  been  begun,  and  in  September  192 1 
had  forty-nine  numbered  issues,  a  majority  of  which 
contain  severe  -attacks  upon  various  union  activities.  A 
number  of  these  are  now  out  of  print.  These  booklets, 
"  devoted  to  matters  directly  affecting  the  interests  of  manu- 
facturers and  designed  to  better  the  relations  of  employers 
and  employees,  are  published  by  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers  for  free  circulation  and  may  be  procured  by 
addressing  the  general  offices,  30  Church  Street,  New 
York  " :  —  so  reads  a  statement  above  the  list  of  the  book- 
lets.^''^'^  Practically  every  issue  of  American  Industries 
contains  a  list,  and  members  are  urged  from  time  to  time  to 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         343 

aid  in  the  distribution  of  these  booklets.  Every  student  of 
labor  problems  may  well  read  these,  both  for  the  viewpoint 
they  present  and  as  a  study  of  one  of  the  means  "  designed 
to  better  the  relations  of  employer  and  employees."  ^^®  A 
summary  of  a  number  of  them  is  found  in  No.  26,  "  Closed 
vs.  Open  Shop  Unionism,"  which  is  compiled  chiefly  from 
other  pamphlets  in  the  series,  and  has  for  its  stated  purpose 
to  give  "  authentic  information  for  students  of  economics," 
"  facts  for  debaters  and  others  seeking  light  on  the  princi- 
ples of  trade  unionism."  ^^^  Recently,  the  material  in  this 
pamphlet  has  been  supplemented  by  an  extensive  "  Open 
Shop  Encyclopedia  for  Debaters."  It  has  issued  pamphlets 
on  "  The  President  and  the  Courts,"  "  The  Buck's  Stove  and 
Range  Company  v^.  the  American  Federation  of  Labor," 
"  Bolshevism,  Self-Defined  and  Self-Convicted,"  and  on 
"  Governmental  War  Agencies  Affecting  Business."  It  has 
prepared  and  circulated  the  "  Bulletin  of  the  National  Coun- 
cil for  Industrial  Defense,"  the  "  Industrial  War  Service 
Bulletin,"  and  "  Review  and  Digest  of  Industrial  Legisla- 
tion." In  connection  with  the  National  Erectors'  Associa- 
tions, the  N.  A.  M.  has  distributed  booklets  upon  "  The 
Story  of  Duluth  and  the  Open  Shop,"  "  To  Build  Open  or 
Closed  Shop,  Which?' '  "  Restriction  of  Output  in  the 
Closed  Shop."  ^"®  In  1920,  the  N.  A.  M.  added  to  its 
"  educational  literature  "  a  series  of  ten  pamphlets  by  Pro- 
fessor J.  Laurence  Laughlin,  under  the  caption  of  "  Tracts 
for  the  Times."  Their  titles  are :  "  The  Solution  of  the 
Labor  Problem,"  "  Management,"  "  The  Hope  for  Labor 
Unions,"  "  Monopoly  of  Labor,"  "  Is  Labor  a  Com- 
modity?" "Socialism  a  Philosophy  of  Failure,"  "Wages 
and  Prices  —  What  Are  Prices?"  "The  British  Industrial 
Crisis,"  "  British  and  American  Labor  Problems,"  and 
"  Extravagance."  ^^® 

That  the  Association  realizes  the  value  of  debates  in  in- 
fluencing public  opinion,  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  prior  to 


344  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  publication  of  the  booklet  for  debaters,  it  aided  college 
teams  which  opposed  the  closed-shop  side  of  the  question, 
and  to  such  an  extent  that  its  leaders  claimed  in  one  year  that 
the  union  side  had  lost  every  debate.  In  such  cases  its 
responses  were  prompt  and  liberal  in  the  supply  of  data  and 
documents,  so  much  so  that  it  sent  out  even  its  list  of  mem- 
bers, published  for  confidential  use  only,^**^  and  in  one  month 
supplied  "  forty-two  sets  of  pamphlets  to  debating  societies 
in  schools  and  colleges  in  the  State  of  Nebraska  alone."  ^^^ 

A  further  indication  of  the  wide  distribution  of  literature 
by  the  Association  is  shown  by  the  number  of  pieces  dis- 
tributed in  one  year.  In  the  year  1910-11,  it  "  distributed 
nearly  three-quarters  of  a  million  pieces  of  industrial  litera- 
ture. This  included  over  330,000  copies  of  American  In- 
dustries,  in  its  three  editions,  12,000  copies  of  American 
Trade  Index,  and  the  balance  represents  the  distribution  of 
printed  pamphlets  on  the  various  policies  and  principles  " 
which  it  advocates. ^^^  This  great  distribution  may  have 
been  partly  the  result  of  a  resolution  for  the  placing  of 
copies  of  the  Association's  "  principles,  year  books,  Ameri- 
can Industries,  and  other  literature  in  the  public  and  leading 
libraries  throughout  the  nation."  ^^^ 

Addresses  and  Revival  Meetings. —  The  Association 
considers  that  it  has  in  general  three  agencies  by  which  it 
spreads  its  gospel ;  one  through  the  moving  pictures,  one 
through  its  printed  literature,  and  the  third  through  public 
addresses.^®*  President  Kirby  thus  reported  in  1910  on  the 
latter  agency: 

"  In  addition  to  the  dissemination  of  our  literature,  through 
the  mails  and  otherwise,  the  matter  of  personally  addressing 
organized  bodies  has  received  our  thoughtful  attention,  invita- 
tions having  been  accepted  wherever  they  have  furnished  an 
opportunity  for  educational  work. 

"  Mr.  Emery  has  responded  freely  to  all  such  calls  where 
possible  to  leave  Washington  without  jeopardizing  the  inter- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         345 

ests  which  he  is  so  faithfully  guarding  while  Congress  is  in  ses- 
sion. Taking  as  his  subject,  *  The  Business  Man  and  Legis- 
lation/ he  has  delivered  addresses  in  twenty-four  cities  before 
organizations  such  as  Boards  of  Trade  and  Chambers  of  Com- 
merce, Commercial  ,Qubs,  Citizens'  Industrial,  Social  and  Polit- 
ical Science,  and  others. 

"  Mr.  Van  Cleave,  while  on  his  trip  to  the  Pacific  Coast  last 
summer  addressed  a  large  number  of  organizations  on  topics 
in  which  this  Association  is  particularly  interested.  Our  Gen- 
eral Manager,  Mr.  J.  P.  Bird,  choosing  as  his  theme,  '  The 
Work  of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  and  of 
the  National  Council  for  Industrial  Defense,'  has  addressed 
meetings  in  fourteen  cities  and  attended  conferences  on  various 
subjects  of  interest  to  the  Association  in  as  many  more 
cities.  ,  .  . 

"  Your  President  has  responded  to  invitations  to  speak  be- 
fore organizations  in  ten  cities,  and  in  most  instances  the 
addresses  were  published  in  full  in  the  daily  papers,  while  the 
papers  of  most  of  the  other  cities  printed  liberal  excerpts. 
Thus  through  the  medium  of  the  daily  press  wide  publicity  has 
been  secured.  I  think  that  I  can  say  with  confidence  that  never 
before  in  the  history  of  the  Association  has  its  work  been  more 
fully  presented,  or  its  influence  more  widely  extended."  ^*' 

In  a  report  to  the  convention  in  191 1,  it  was  stated  that, 
"  in  the  matter  of  public  appearances,  it  is  roughly  esti- 
mated that  your  President  and  his  associates  and  colleagues 
have,  during  the  past  year,  spoken  to  a  quarter  of  a  mil- 
lion persons.  So  that  through  our  printed  literature  and 
combined  public  appearances  and  addresses  it  may  be  said 
that  we  have  directly  reached  a  million  of  persons.  If  we 
should  add  the  countless  columns  of  press  notices  given  to 
our  official  utterances  and  our  attitude  on  public  questions,  I 
am  advised;  and  I  think,  that  the  assumption  is  fair,  that 
through  our  various  activities  during  the  past  year  fully  fif- 
teen million  people  have  heard  and  read  of  the  objects  and 
purposes  of  our  Association."  ^^^     A  part  of  the  campaign 


346         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

of  that  year  was  carried  on  out  on  the  Pacific  Coast  where  a 
series  of  "  missionary  or  revival  meetings  "  was  being  con- 
ducted by  western  associations,  but  in  which  President  Kirby 
and  General  Manager  Bird  of  the  Association  were  the 
main  evangelists.^^^  Such  "  missionary  or  revival  meet- 
ings "  to  convert  or  bring  back  to  the  cause  the  outside  em- 
ployer, have  been  conducted  by  the  Association  at  intervals 
since  that  time.  In  19 12,  for  instance,  meetings  were  held 
in  the  eastern  half  of  the  United  States,  in  the  following 
cities :  Cincinnati,  Providence,  St.  Louis,  Milwaukee  arid 
Boston.  These  meetings  were  addressed  by  the  speakers 
named  above  and  Mr.  Emery,  Counsel  of  the  N.  C.  I.  D. 
and  by  this  method  the  Association  enrolled  some  four 
hundred  new  members.  In  1919  and  1920,  another  series 
of  missionary  meetings  was  held  in  San  Francisco;  New- 
ark, New  Jersey ;  Pittsburgh,  Penna. ;  and  Cleveland,  Ohio. 
President  Mason,  Mr.  Emery  and  Mr.  Bird  addressed  these 
meetings,  which  added  over  270  members  to  the  Associa- 
tion.287 

The  Association,  however,  has  not  confined  its  propa- 
ganda to  gatherings  of  business  men ;  its  leaders  have  spoken 
before  other  bodies.  For  several  years,  it  has  had  repre- 
sentatives before  the  American  Academy  of  Political  and 
Social  Science;  for  instance,  in  19 12,  it  was  represented  by 
Kirby,  Bird,  Boudinot,  Nevin,  and  Kinsley,^^*  while  in  191 5, 
the  representation  was  composed  of  Boudinot,  Kinsley  and 
Keough.^^^  Mr.  A.  Parker  Nevin,  General  Counsel  of  the 
Association,  has  spoken  also  at  the  Ohio  State  University ,^^'^ 
and  before  such  bodies  as  the  University  Club  of  Bridge- 
port, Conn.,  and  has  engaged  in  a  three-cornered  debate  at 
Greenwich  House  in  New  York  City,  defending  the  "  open 
shop  "  against  both  the  "  closed  shop  "  and  the  "  preferen- 
tial shop."  ^^^  John  Kirby,  Jr.,  assisted  by  Joseph  W.  Bryce 
of  the  Trades  and  Workers'  Association,  likewise  defended 
the  *'  open  shop  "  at  a  debate  held  at  the  University  Forum 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         347 

of  New  York  University.^®^  Kirby  delivered  his  address 
on  "  The  Disadvantages  of  Labor  Unionism  "  before  the 
Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association  of  New  York  City,^^^  and 
the  one  on  "  Cruel  Unionism  "  before  Kenyon  College.^®* 
Parry,  Van  Cleave,  Kirby  and  Emery  have  each  appeared 
many  times  before  general  audiences  throughout  the  country, 
and  many  instances  of  similar  addresses  might  be  cited 
here,  all  in  addition  to  the  propaganda  for  ship  subsidies, 
permanent  tariff  commission,  and  other  non-labor  matters.^®^ 
Enlisting  Public  Support. —  The  Association  endeavors 
through  its  literature  and  addresses  of  its  leaders,  to  enlist 
the  support  of  the  general  public  in  its  cause.  So  great  is 
its  desire  to  do  this,  that  its  leaders  "  believe  that  the  most 
effective  work  of  this  Association  will  develop  through  the 
dissemination  of  literature  and  by  public  addresses  which 
proclaim  to  all  the  people  the  principles  for  which  the  Asso- 
ciation stands.  And  through  these  agencies  we  aim  to  reach 
more  particidarly  the  preachers,  the  educators  and  the  poli- 
ticians, to  which  classes  alone  more  than  47,000  pamphlets 
have  been  mailed  during  the  past  six  months."  ^®®  After 
that,  in  that  year,  19 10,  the  Convention  of  the  Association 
recommended  to  its  directors  and  officers  that  they  place 
"  copies  of  its  principles,  year  books,  American  Industries, 
and  other  literature  in  the  public  and. leading  college  libraries 
throughout  the  nation."  ^^"^  It  wishes  to  place  its  literature 
"  especially  before  the  editors,  the  clergymen,  the  college 
professors  and  the  other  professional  men  who  are  the  nat- 
ural leaders  of  the  people  in  every  community."  ^®*  It 
recognizes  that  "  public  opinion  is  what  makes  the  laws  of 
this  country.  If  you  will  properly  educate  the  people  you 
will  get  proper  laws."  ^^^  Accordingly  its  leaders  hold  that 
"  It  must  continue  to  lead  in  the  educational  work  whereby 
class  legislation  must  be  fought  in  every  municipal  assembly 
and  in  every  state  legislature,  as  well  as  in  Congress."  ^°°  Its 
general  aim,  however,  is  larger  than  the  prevention  of  labor 


348         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

legislation :  — "  It  is  to  arouse  the  great  middle  class  to  a 
realization  of  what  trade  unionism  really  means."  ^"^  It  is 
attempting  to  offset  union  propaganda,  and  it  believes  that  if 
it  can  arouse  the  public  officers,  the  social  leaders,  the  editors 
of  the  influential  journals,  along  with  the  heads  of  the  great 
industries,  to  summon  the  courage  to  speak  out  against  union 
terrorism,  "  the  public  spirited  masses  of  the  country 
will  rally  to  their  side,  and  the  featherheads  and  mounte- 
banks who  have  pretended  to  talk  in  the  name  of  labor  and 
who  have  been  casting  discredit  on  many  of  the  labor  unions 
will  drop  back  into  obscurity  from  which  they  were 
originally  dragged."  ^''^  It  reasons  that  "  Organized  labor 
owes  its  present  power  mainly  to  the  support  of  public 
opinion,  and  this  it  obtained  through  constant  agitation. 
The  thought  and  sentiment  of  thousands  who  lean  toward 
the  caUse  of  labor  are  based  upon  ex-parte  consideration. 
Carried  away  by  the  insistent  and  specious  pleas  for  the 
*  poor  working  man,'  they  have  lost  sight  of  the  grave  is- 
sues at  stake."  ^^^  Furthermore,  it  contends  that  all  the 
"  demagogic  activity  "  of  "  progressives  and  fake  reform- 
ers "  has  its  source  in  the  "  fallacious  propaganda  "  of  labor 
unionism.^"^  Hence,  "  The  chief  work  of  this  Association 
is  an  educational  one  —  the  molding  of  public  opinion."  ^^^ 
Condemning  Reformers  and  Agitators. —  Accordingly, 
it  has  not  been  sparing  in  its  condemnation  of  the  re- 
former;^*''' even  the  clergymen  and  college  professors,  to 
whom  it  has  appealed,  have  come  in  for  their  share  of  con- 
demnation when  they  have  failed  to  respond  to  its  appeals, 
or  when  they  have  offered  "  unskilled  advice  "  to  employers 
on  means  and  methods  for  the  prevention  of  industrial  un- 
rest.^*''^  The  demagogue,  the  dilettante,  and  the  sentimental- 
ist have  thus  been  censured : 

"  The  demagogue  for  wicked  and  foolish  purposes  arouses 
strife,  creates  class  hatred  and  trouble  with  the  hope  of  per- 
sonal advancement  politically  or  otherwise,  caring  nothing  at 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         349 

all  that  an  ensuing  calamity  may  bring  ruin  to  many  innocent 
and  deserving  people. 

"  The  dilettante,  with  a  superficial  knowledge  of  the  matter 
under  discussion,  brushes  lightly  to  one  side  the  judgment  of 
sincere  men  obtained  from  their  experience  during  years  of 
actual  work,  and  says  glibly  that  by  '  scientific  management ' 
millions  of  dollars  can  be  saved  if  people  will  only  take  the 
trouble  to  do  so. 

"  The  sentimentalist  assumes  that  human  nature  has  no  fail- 
ings and  that  the  great  good  he  desires  can  be  achieved  politely 
and  without  trouble  and  suffering  if  people  will  only  try."  ^°* 

Two  clergymen,  John  Haynes  Holmes  and  Rabbi  Wise  of 
New  York  City,  were  denounced  for  condoning  violence  and 
assassination,  and  a  halt  demanded  on  their  activities.*"® 
Other  clergymen  were  regarded  more  sympathetically  as 
charitable  but  misguided  "  who  did  not  realize  that  they 
were  encouraging  a  number  of  the  chronically  unemployed 
and  unemployable  in  a  life  of  viciousness,"  when  they  gave 
shelter  and  food  to  the  I.  W.  W.  in  New  York."*  Reform- 
ers were  rebuked  by  American  Industries  for  being  engaged 
in  a  "  vicious  '  upUft,'  "  in  part,  as  follows: 

"  The  department  store  girl  has  been  exonerated  of  all 
charges  of  vice  and  immorality  which  have  been  made  against 
her  by  morbid  uplifters  during  the  past  few  years.  The  New 
York  City  Committee  of  Fourteen  has  just  made  public  a  re- 
port based  on  exhaustive  investigation  which  declares  that  the 
charges  that  '  it  was  a  common  practice  for  women  employees 
to  eke  out  insufficient  wages  by  vice,  and  that  they  were  en- 
couraged to  do  so  by  employers  ' —  were  found  to  be  baseless. 
.  .  .  When  the  crusade  against  vice  was  at  its  height  the  fe- 
male workers  in  department  stores  were  selected  injudiciously 
by  those  who  delight  in  '  sad  facts '  and  *  revolting  conditions ' 
as  fit  victims  of  their  propaganda.  Of  course  the  object  of  the 
crusade  was  not  to  injure  the  workers  in  the  stores.  The 
maligning  of  their  characters  was  an  unfortunate  but  unavoid- 
able incident  to  a  campaign  to  discredit  employers."  ^" 


350         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Yet  the  succeeding  issue  of  this  magazine  contained  an 
article  which  answered  the  attacks  upon  working  conditions 
in  the  cotton  mills,  by  showing  that  conditions  were  far 
better  there  than  in  department  stores,  that  "  The  mills  are 
so  much  more  attractive  places  to  work  in  that  if  girls  would 
investigate  for  themselves  there  would  be  but  one  choice. 
In  the  mill  they  only  require  respectable  dress,  and  living 
expenses  of  the  mill  girl  are  very  much  below  that  of  the 
store  girl,  while  the  higher  average  mill  wage  gives  them 
comforts  and  luxuries  not  possible  in  a  legitimate  way  for 
the  store  girl."  ^^^  This  article,  too,  censures  the  reformers 
as  agitators  and  disturbers,  and  for  their  "  everlasting  ex- 
ploitation "  of  the  "  cotton  mills  as  unfit  places  for  human 
beings  to  work  in."  ^^^  The  Association  has  felt,  in  all  this, 
that  "  there  is  an  especial  need  at  this  time  to  condemn  all 
extravagances  of  statement  in  the  relation  between  the 
rich  and  the  poor.  Loose  and  lurid  characteristics  are  apt 
to  give  encouragement  to  the  real  anarchism  which  we  and 
all  other  public-spirited  men  are  combating."  ^^^  It  has 
pointed  out  that  the  cause  of  poverty  is  not  traceable  to 
private  property  in  the  means  of  production  and  distribution, 
but  that  the  causes  lie  in  the  physical,  mental  or  moral  weak- 
ness of  the  poverty-stricken  individuals.  It  has  also  re- 
ferred to  the  waste  and  extravagance  of  the  workers,  for 
instance,  in  the  wearing  of  silk  shirts.^ ^^  In  defending  the 
cause  of  the  employer  against  the  hosts  of  reformers  of 
every  sort,  the  Association  cannot  always  be  expected  to  be 
consistent. 

Censure  for  the  Bad  Employer. —  The  Association's 
leaders  have  not,  however,  always  defended  the  employer, 
good  or  bad.  President  Van  Cleave  has  thus  spoken  of  the 
bad  employer: 

"  The  oppressive  employer  has  done  more  damage  to  the  rest 
of  the  members  of  his  calling  and  also  done  more  damage 
to  the  country  than  we  are  apt  to  realize.     That  sort  of  em- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         351 

ployer  is  far  in  the  minority  among  members  of  his  guild,  and 
always  has  been.  But  he  was  numerous  enough  in  the  first 
place  to  incite  workers  to  form  unions,  and  his  pernicious  ac- 
tivity in  these  days  goes  far  toward  winning  the  sympathy  of 
the  public  for  the  unions  in  many  of  the  strikes."  '^* 

"  The  greedy  and  tyrannical  employers  .  .  .  have  done  much 
to  incite  boycotting  and  the  other  vices  which  are  perpetuated 
by  many  of  the  labor  unions.  Those  recreant  employers  nu- 
merically comprise  only  a  small  proportion  of  their  guild,  but 
their  practices  have  injured  every  worthy  employer  in  the 
country.  In  fact  I  condemn  them  more  than  I  do  the  objec- 
tionable labor  unionists,  for  they  stand  higher  socially,  they 
are  better  educated,  and  consequently  better  conduct  is  expected 
of  them."  "« 

The  Association  has  thus  carried  out  this  idea  to  the  ex- 
tent of  publishing  an  article  on  "  Storage  Piles  of  Trouble," 
showing  how  an  employer  brings  trouble  on  himself  by  his 
independence  when  labor  is  plentiful,'^^ 

Appeal  to  Workers. —  The  Association  is  endeavoring  to 
impress  "  upon  the  workingmen  of  this  country  that  their 
employers  are  their  best  friends."  *^^  It  points  out  "  that 
hysteria  and  half-baked  theories  cannot  bring  us  industrial 
supremacy,"  and  accordingly  the  prosperity  so  desired  by 
the  workers.  ^^®  It  teaches  the  wage  earner  "  that  his  in- 
terests and  those  of  his  employer  are  identical."  ^^^  In 
order  to  bind  more  firmly  the  employee's  interests  to  those 
of  his  employer,  the  N.  A.  M.  has  favored  group  insur- 
ance and  profit  sharing  such  as  bonuses,  payments  to  en- 
courage thrift,  stock  subscriptions  and  similar  plans.^^^  It 
holds  that  "  the  workman  of  today  is  the  employer  of  to- 
morrow." '^^  It  argues  that  the  best  friend  of  the  work- 
man is  he  who  gives  him  regular  employment,  at  good 
wages,  under  decent  working  conditions,  and  affords  him 
opportunity  for  advancement;  and,  therefore,  "that  the 
large  majority  of  manufacturers  are  the  workers'  best 
friends,"  since  "  they  gladly  aid  in  every  possible  way  every 


352         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

rnovement  for  better  working  conditions,  higher  wages  and 
better  opportunity  for  the  worker  providing  such  move- 
ments are  based  upon  equity  and  sound  economic  prin- 
ciples," ^^^  It  contends  that  the  worst  enemy  of  the  work- 
ingmen  is  the  "  outsider  "  who  is  always  promising  impos- 
sible advances  in  wages  and  impracticable  shortening  of 
the  working  hours,  and  otherwise  misleading  them.  And 
further  to  substantiate  this,  it  offers  a  demonstration  that 
strikes  are  often,  if  not  almost  entirely,  labor's  fight  on 
labor ;  a  fight  that  "  is  just  as  much  and  even  more  against 
nonunion  laborers  as  it  is  against  the  employer."  ^^*  Its 
leaders  realize  that  the  employer's  greatest  troubles  have 
been  brought  upon  himself  by  allowing  himself  to  drift  away 
from  his  men,  and  by  permitting  the  walking  delegate  and 
others  antagonistic  to  his  interests  to  mold  the  opinion  of 
those  who  work  for  him  with  their  hands.  As  a  result, 
he  is  instructed  that  he  owes  it  to  every  nonunion  man  in 
his  employ,  to  see  that  these  men  who  have  been  his  main- 
stay in  time  of  trouble,  are  not  displaced  to  make  room 
for  union  men  who  would  arbitrarily  take  charge  of  his 
business  if  they  could.  Thus  an  appeal  is  made  to  the  non- 
union, or  independent  workmen,  that  the  employer  is  fight- 
ing their  battles  for  them  who  represent  85  per  cent  of 
all  the  workers,  against  the  tyranny  of  the  leaders  of  the 
other  15  per  cent.  A  striking  example  of  the  manner  in 
which  the  Association's  leaders  uphold  the  nonunion  work- 
man is  found  in  a  cablegram  of  congratulations  sent  by 
President  Kirby  to  two  or  three  weavers  whose  refusal  to 
join  the  union  precipitated  in  England  a  strike  and  lock- 
out involving  300,000  cotton-mill  operatives.  They  were 
commended  for  their  heroism,  and  they  and  all  England 
were  congratulated  on  their  determined  stand  for  independ- 
ence.^ ^^  The  Association  has  set  about  to  prove  to  the 
workingman  "  the  absolute  falsity  of  the  doctrine  that  if 
a  man  is  once  a  workingman  he  is  always  a  workingman," 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         353 

as  stated  by  union  leaders. ^^®  Hence  many  illustrations  are 
given  of  the  rise  of  workingmen  to  positions  as  captains 
of  industry,  the  great  opportunities  before  the  boy  of  to- 
day are  exploited,  and  the  United  States  is  referred  to  as 
the  "  land  of  opportunity."  *^^  Carrying  out  this  idea  still 
further,  the  Association  leaders  have  declared :  "  We  must 
demonstrate  the  sincerity  of  our  purpose  to  those  with 
whom  we  labor.  Let  not  the  word  class  or  classes  pass  our 
lips.  We  have  no  classes  in  our  country."  ^^s  Although 
it  deplores  class  hatred  and  attacks  the  socialists,  and  denies 
that  there  is  a  class  war  between  employers  and  employees, 
it  apparently  relies  mainly  on  class  interests  in  its  appeals  to 
employers. ^^^ 

Summary  of  Propaganda  Activities. —  Likewise,  a  de- 
tailed account  might  be  given  of  the  other  lines  of  the 
propaganda  of  the  Association;  however,  a  summary  will 
suffice  here.  It  has  advocated  the  "  open  shop  "  and  waged 
war  upon  the  "  closed  shop  "  and  the  union  label. ^^^  In  do- 
ing this,  it  has  pointed  out  good  conditions  in  open  shops 
and  bad  conditions  in  closed  shops.  It  has  contended  that 
the  union  label  is  no  guarantee  of  sanitary  conditions,  and 
that  in  this  and  other  respects  better  conditions  prevail  in 
the  open  shops.  It  has  attacked  the  closed  shop  as  un- 
economic and  socialistic,  and  has  stated  that  the  people 
of  this  nation  must  choose  between  the  closed  shop  and  the 
Republic.  It  has  condemned  the  unions  as  slackers  for 
limiting  production,  and  attributes  the  high  cost  of  living 
in  part  to  higher  wages  and  less  work.  It  argues  that  high 
labor  cost  is  a  prime  cause  of  high  rents.  It  favors  "  sen- 
sible "  efforts  to  reduce  prices,  and  urges  an  honest  day's 
work  as  a  panacea  for  social  unrest.  It  shows  how  other 
cities  have  established  the  open  shop  and  improved  the 
economic  welfare  of  the  city.*'^  It  has  contrasted  the  con- 
ditions in  "  open-shop  "  Los  Angeles  with  those  in  "  closed- 
shop  "   San  Francisco,  and  demonstrated  in  this  manner, 


354  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

how  superior  for  industry  and  business  the  "  open-shop  " 
is.^^^  It  has  carried  the  point  further,  by  drawing  lessons 
from  the  unfavorable  situations  in  England  and  Australia, 
especially  during  strikes  or  labor-union  successes  there. ^'' 
It  has  shown,  that  most  "  closed-shop  "  agreements  are  un- 
lawful.^^*  It  has  attempted  to  establish  the  "  open  shop  " 
in  San  Francisco  through  a  long  propaganda  campaign, 
as  well  as  by  lending  leaders  and  by  contributing  money  to 
the  employers  of  that  city  in  their  fight  with  union  labor.^^' 
It  has  drawn  an  unfavorable  parallel  between  trade-union 
activities  and  panics  or  depressions.^'®  It  publishes  and 
distributes  a  booklet  on  "  Throttling  the  Nation's  Press  " 
to  arouse  public  sentiment  against  closed-shop  unionism  in 
the  printing  trades.''^  It  condemns  "  closed-shop  "  agree- 
ments, conciliation  and  arbitration. '^^  It  denounces  many 
of  the  present-day  labor  leaders  and  agitators,  and  attempts 
to  discredit  others  with  the  workers. ^'^  It  appeals  to 
members  of  the  unions  in  various  ways,  for  instance,  it 
shows  them  how  they  are  made  the  victims  of  strikes  and 
of  suits  for  boycott  damages ;  '^^  all  in  order  to  get  them 
to  leave  the  closed-shop  union.  Its  denunciation  of  the 
boycott  and  blacklist  is  strong,'^^  yet  it  has  found  it  neces- 
sary to  conduct  an  extensive  campaign  against  the  union 
label  and  union-label  goods, '^^  and  it  has  resolved  that 
recent  legislation  has  made  it  imperative  "  for  employers 
to  adopt  unusual  protective  measures  —  eliminate  from  their 
employment  men  who  advocate  or  favor  violence."  '^*  Its 
arraignment  of  unions  "  as  now  conducted  "  is  continuous, 
and  it  has  indicted  "  present-day  unionism  "  on  every  con- 
ceivable point,  from  the  charge  that  unions  are  an  "  aid  to 
dirt,"  to  that  of  murder  and  treason.'^^  It  has  shown  that 
cities  are  liable  for  damages  to  property  as  the  result  of 
the  lack  of  protection  by  the  police  during  labor  troubles, 
and  that  it  is  to  the  interests  of  municipalities  to  enforce 
the  laws  during  such  times  and  of  the  taxpayers  to  see 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         355 

that  the  laws  against  rioting  are  en  forced.  *^^  Especially, 
has  it  attempted  to  appeal  to  the  public,  by  arguments  that 
the  public  pays  the  costs  of  strikes,  for  example,  that  coal 
strikes  "  injure  most  the  innocent  public,  by  at  least  ninety 
per  cent."  '"^^  The  great  loss  resulting  from  strikes  to  the 
workers,  and  in  turn  to  the  retailer,  the  manufacturers  of 
the  goods  that  the  retailer  sells,  the  landlords  who  rent 
the  houses  to  the  striking  workers,  and  so  on  until  practi- 
cally every  one  is  affected,  is  set  forth  at  various  times  in 
its  publications.^*^  The  Association  has  tried  to  influence 
the  public  against  labor  legislation  by  a  propaganda  similar 
to  that  it  carried  on  against  strikes,***  for  we  find  Associa- 
tion leaders  declaring :  "  We  must  point  out  to  the  people 
that  all  this  legislation  that  is  going  on  affects  them ;  shorter 
hours  [a  shorter  workday]  increases  the  cost  of  living, 
raises  taxes,  creates  a  condition  for  them  that  is  really 
worse  than  it  is  for  the  manufacturers.  We  owe 
that  to  them.  We  must  do  it.  That  is  the  important  thing 
for  this  organization  to  do."  ^*^  This  quotation  sets  forth 
clearly  the  spirit  of  the  general  propaganda  of  the  Associa- 
tion. 

A  few  illustrations  will  show  the  wide  range  of  the 
subjects  covered  by  the  propaganda  of  the  Association. 
It  has  advocated  group  life  insurance  of  employees  by  the 
employer  as  a  means  to  reduce  labor  turnover. ^^'^  It  de- 
nounced the  Boston  Policemen  for  striking  and  condemned 
the  leaders  of  the  coal  strike  for  defying  the  government. '^^ 
It  has  urged  employers  to  be  generous  in  the  payment  of 
wages,  and  has  also  pled  for  "  an  honest  day's  work  for 
an  honest  day's  pay  "  to  increase  production.  It  has  de- 
clared that  "  the  destruction  of  perfectly  good  uncompleted 
[nonunion]  work  to  induce  union  labor  to  reconstruct, 
is  an  act  of  imbecility,  and  a  financial  crime  that  should 
be  made  legally  punishable.*'^^  It  has  argued  against  the 
eight  hour  day,  or  any  general  lessening  of  the  present 


356         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

hours  of  labor  or  restriction  of  production  by  workers.'^* 
It  has  pointed  out  that  "  kbor  slacking  and  stalling  "  is  very 
extensive.  It  has  favored  the  piece  or  job  basis  for  wages, 
and  equal  pay  for  equal  work  for  women  as  well  as  men.^^* 
It  proposed  a  plan  for  industrial  peace  —  an  armistice  dur- 
ing the  reconstruction  period,  and  presented  this  plan  for 
consideration  at  the  First  National  Industrial  Conference 
of  1919.^^^  It  has  attacked  Socialism  and  Bolshevism,  and 
has  outlined  the  methods  and  character  of  the  propaganda 
of  these  radicals. ^^^  It  has  denounced  as  unwise  a  proposal 
for  the  restoration  of  wealth  improperly  acquired  but  legally 
held.^^"^  It  has  urged  the  Americanization  of  alien  work- 
men in  the  United  States  and  has  advocated  that  the  em- 
ployer teach  the  American  language  and  ideals  to  his  em- 
ployees, if  necessary  on  **  company  time."  ^^^  It  agitated 
for  the  reemployment  of  ex-service  men  on  return  from  the 
war,  and  even  for  the  employment  and  training  of  disabled 
soldiers  and  sailors. ^^^  It  has  urged  employees  to  be  thrifty 
and  invest  their  savings  in  "  company  "  stock  or  otherwise, 
and  has  proposed  to  formulate  a  record  book  and  budget 
for  employees  in  order  to  foster  saving. ^^^ 

On  the  other  hand,  public  sympathy  must  not  be  lost 
by  the  evil  practices  of  any  notable  group  of  manufacturers, 
if  the  practices  cannot  be  prevented,  they  must  be  denied, 
or  at  least  exaggerated  accounts  must  be  corrected,  as  is 
shown  by  the  part  that  President  Van  Cleave  took  in  the 
investigation  of  the  Chicago  meat  packers.  While  he  was 
President  of  the  Association,  he  issued  a  statement  that  ac- 
companied the  report  of  a  committee  of  the  Association, 
thus  acquitting  the  meat  packers  of  Chicago  of  the  charge  of 
packing  diseased  meats : 

"  To  the  members  of  the  National  Association  of  Manufac- 
turers :  Greeting :  .  .  .  I  heard  what  seemed  to  me  to  be  a  call 
to  duty.  I  did  not  stop  to  ask  where  the  Hre  was,  or  whether 
the  walls  of  our  factory  were  hot,  or  whether  it  would  be  a 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         357 

popular  act  to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  some  of  our  members  who 
were  in  distress,  and  through  whose  distress  great  injury  was 
being  done  to  American  Industry,  both  at  home  and  abroad. 
We  hope  that  our  appeal  for  justice  and  the  protection  of  the 
good  name  of  the  American  Manufacturer  has  had  its  influence. 
//  any  of  my  friends  are  disposed  to  criticise,  I  would  refer 
them,  to  the  injunction  of  the  Divine  Master  when  He  said: 
He  that  is  without  sin  among  you  let  him  first  cast  a  stone."  '"^ 

From  this  statement,  it  seems  that  one  may  easily  draw  the 
inferences  that  the  fair  name  of  the  "  American  Manu- 
facturer "  demanded  that  the  packers  be  acquitted  whether 
guilty  or  not,  and  that  few  of  the  other  manufacturers  were 
innocent  of  ofifenses  similar  to  those  with  which  the  packers 
were  charged.  To  say  the  least,  such  a  justification  has 
a  peculiar  ring.  President  Van  Cleave,  however,  has  made 
other  unguarded  or  imprudent  statements,  such  as  his  ad- 
monition to  manufacturers  to  have  ready  their  riot  guns  and 
shot  guns.'^^  Likewise  his  alleged  attempt  to  bribe  Samuel 
Gompers  of  the  A.  F.  of  L.  was  unwise  from  every  point 
of  view.'®^ 

Accident  Prevention. —  The  Association  has  agitated 
for  the  prevention  of  accidents  for  several  years,  and  its 
activity  in  this  field  —  whatever  mingled  motives  may  have 
inspired  it  —  merits  high  commendation.  For  a  number 
of  years,  the  Association  has  published  as  a  supplement 
to  American  Industries  each  month,  "  Preventive  Appli- 
ances," devoted  to  methods  and  means  for  accident  preven- 
tion.'^* It  has  prepared  and  exhibits  a  series  of  moving 
picture  films  before  gatherings  of  both  employers  and  em- 
ployees, and  furnishes  the  films  for  other  organizations  to 
exhibit. '^^  A  number  of  its  officers  have  delivered  ad- 
dresses upon  topics  dealing  with  the  prevention  of  acci- 
dents.'®^' It  has  co-operated  freely  with  safety  organiza- 
tions, and  has  formed  with  other  employers'  associations  a 
"  Conference  Board  on  Safety  and  Sanitation."  '*''     It  has 


358         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

urged  upon  owners,  superintendents,  foremen,  and  work- 
men that  harmony  and  co-operation  among  them  —  each 
and  every  one  —  are  essential  to  safety,  and  that  appliances 
are  simply  means  that  must  be  used  intelligently.^®^  De- 
vices to  safeguard  dangerous  tools  and  machinery  have 
been  suggested  and  illustrated  from  ladders  to  railways.^*® 
Films  on  safety,  such  as  "  The  Workman's  Lesson,"  im- 
press upon  workmen  the  need  of  care  in  their  work."*^  It 
has  issued  a  booklet,  "  Industrial  Betterment  Activities " 
outlining  many  of  these  activities. ^'^^ 

Industrial  Education. —  The  Association  has  likewise 
carried  on  a  propaganda  for  industrial  education,  but  as  the 
greater  part  of  its  efforts  has  been  directed  towards  the 
establishment  of  publicly-supported  continuation  schools, 
this  activity  has  been  treated  above  as  legislative.  The 
Association  has,  however,  continuously  urged  upon  the 
manufacturer  to  make  his  shop  a  training  school,  to  de- 
velop his  own  system  of  apprenticeship  as  well  as  to  co- 
operate with  other  systems  of  training  workers  to  become 
skilled. ^^^  It  has  pointed  out  the  success  of  vestibule 
schools  in  training  workers  and  in  reducing  labor  tum- 
over.*^^  It  has  advocated  the  employment  and  training  of 
women  and  disabled  soldiers  to  meet  the  shortage  of  skilled 
labor,'"'*  It  has  appealed  to  the  manufacturer  to  aid  in  the 
"  Americanization "  of  foreign  immigrant  workmen,  and 
has  prescribed  industrial  training  as  an  antidote  to  Bol- 
shevism.^''^    It  favors  industrial  rehabilitation.^''® 

Mr.  Emery  has  thus  summed  up  the  activities  of  the 
N.  A.  M.  on  accident  prevention  and  industrial  education: 

"  In  the  last  five  years  it  has  carried  on  a  very  extensive 
movement  for  accident  prevention  and  workmen's  compensa- 
tion. It  was  the  first  large  organization  in  this  country  to  take 
up  that  work,  and  it  made  extensive  foreign  investigations  as 
to  the  practical  operation  of  workmen's  compensation  laws 
abroad  and  methods  of  accident  prevention,  and  from  this  ex- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         359 

perience  it  has  undertaken  to  apply  the  fruits  in  this  country, 
subject  to  the  modifications  that  exist  in  our  differing  forms  of 
work.  We  have  a  standing  committee  in  charge  of  that  work, 
and  a  continuous  inspection  is  going  on  of  the  factories  of  all 
our  members  with  respect  to  increasing  the  facilities  for  the 
prevention  of  accident,  and  the  inculcation  of  those  habits 
which  most  readily  and  powerfully  lead  to  accident  prevention, 
"  In  addition  to  that,  there  is  a  very  wide  range  of  educational 
work  carried  on  in  connection  with  that  and  other  subjects. 
Practically  every  shop  of  the  members  of  the  National  Associa- 
tion has  been  visited  during  the  last  four  years  by  lecturers, 
who,  through  moving  pictures  and  a  form  of  address,  have  un- 
dertaken to  enlist  the  co-operation  of  both  employers  and  em- 
ployees in  the  movement  for  accident  prevention  and  vocational 
education.  We  have  spent  very  large  sums  of  money  in  that 
work,  and  have  a  very  large  staff  carrying  it  on,  and  the  films 
which  have  been  made  for  the  purpose  of  strikingly  depicting 
these  efforts  and  principles  to  the  eye  have  not  only  been  used 
among  the  employees  or  members  of  the  association,  but  they 
have  been  generally  at  the  service  of  public  bodies  of  any  kind 
or  character  in  any  part  of  the  country  that  were  interested 
in  the  subject,  and  those  lectures  on  those  subjects  have  been 
carried  on  before  commercial  and  manufacturers'  associations 
in  every  part  of  the  country."  "^ 

Industrial  Betterment. —  In  the  matter  of  industrial  bet- 
terment the  committees  of  the  N.  A.  M.  have  generally  been 
too  progressive  to  receive  the  whole  hearted  endorsement 
of  a  majority  of  the  other  members  of  the  Association.^^® 
The  Association,  however,  has  undertaken  an  investigation 
of  the  causes  of  unemployment  and  has  advocated  a  pas- 
senger classification  such  that  laborers  could  be  transported 
easily  and  cheaply  from  one  field  to  another. ^'^^ 

National  Industrial  Conservation  Campaign. —  In 
19 1 6,  the  Association's  propaganda  activities  were  given  a 
new  turn.  A  campaign  for  national  industrial  conservation 
was  begun,  "  to  give  all  classes  of  citizens  a  better  under- 
standing of  their  responsibility  to  our  industries  and  of  the 


360         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

bearing  which  industrial  prosperity  has  on  their  welfare,^^" 
—  to  meet  the  attacks  of  radical  agitators  and  eliminate 
burdensome  legislation  and  industrial  unrest,^  ^  to  correct 
public  attitude  towards  industry  ^^^  and  to  destroy  "  loose 
economic  sentimeutalism  "  which  "  has  given  rise  to  a  sense- 
less prejudice  against  business  men,"  which  has  caused  labor 
disturbances,  misguided  laws  which  deform  rather  than  re- 
form, and  other  industrial  impediments,  which  increase  the 
cost  of  living.^*^  In  this  campaign  the  Association  utilized 
the  public  and  private  speaking  forum,  the  press,  and  the 
moving  picture  screen.  A  carefully  selected  staff  of  public 
speakers,  and  of  writers,  various  sorts  of  printed  literature, 
stereopticon  slides  and  moving  picture  films  were  the  means 
used  to  "  spread  the  gospel  of  patriotic  industrial  co-opera- 
tion."^** In  the  years  1916-1918,  nineteen  speakers  includ- 
ing three  women  spoke  before  402  meetings  in  seventeen 
industrial  states.  Speakers  were  supplied  to  Rotary  Club 
meetings  and  luncheons.  Workers  in  munition  shops  and 
essential  industry  plants  were  addressed  on  more  than  30 
separate  occasions.  Women  speakers  appeared  before 
Women's  Clubs  in  over  30  instances.  During  the  same 
period  i,400,ckx)  industrial  conservation  posters  19  by  25 
inches  were  issued,  and  2,100,000  pay  envelopes  bearing 
a  message  of  industrial  conservation  to  over  1,400  em- 
ployees for  a  period  covering  twelve  pay-days,  were  given 
out.  Nine  hundred  and  twenty-two  thousand  copies  of  In- 
dustrial Conservation  —  a  four  page  newspaper  mainly  for 
employees  —  were  published  in  English,  Italian,  Russian 
and  German.  Ten  thousand  folders  describing  this  work 
were  distributed.  Plate  matter  was  sent  out  by  the  As- 
sociation and  used  by  1,400  various  sorts  of  newspapers, 
so  that  a  total  of  69,640  columns  of  news  space  publicity 
was  thus  secured.  To  this  must  be  added  also  6,156 
columns  of  news  space  publicity  secured  through  publica- 
tion of  advance  notices  and  reports  of   the  meetings  at 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         361 

which  the  speakers  appeared.  Stereopticon  sUdes  and  mo- 
tion picture  films  were  exhibited  to  the  number  of  2,340 
in  307  separate  theatres  in  industrial  towns  and  cities,  and 
10  copies  of  300  foot  motion  picture  cartoon  trailer  films 
were  utilized  in  motion  picture  theatres  throughout  the 
United  States. ^^^  In  the  summer  of  1918,  the  campaign 
was  suspended,^*^  but  the  Association  has  not  ceased  to 
"  urge  upon  business  men  that  they  be  found  not  missing 
from  the  ranks  of  organized  industry  when  the  bugle  call 
of  Americanism  is  sounding."  ^^'  The  Association  in  1920 
employed  Ex-Mayor  Ole  Hanson  of  Seattle,  Washington, 
to  make  a  three-months'  "  speaking  tour  devoted  to  *  Ameri- 
canization ' —  the  meetings  to  be  held  under  the  auspices  of 
local  organizations  and  committees."  Mr,  Hanson  visited 
13  states,  held  53  meetings,  addressed  approximately  140,- 
000  persons,  and  secured,  as  a  result  of  these  meetings, 
1,186  columns  of  newspaper  stories  and  editorials.^®*  The 
1920  convention  adopted  a  resolution  favoring  a  renewal 
of  the  "  publicity  campaign."  ^^^  * 

Interrelations. —  Much  of  the  Association's  propaganda 
has  been  connected  with  other  associations;  indeed  to  such 
an  extent  is  this  the  case,  that  a  consideration  of  the  interre- 
lations of  the  Association  with  other  bodies,  is  a  continua- 
tion of  the  discussion  of  its  "  educational  "  activities. 

As  this  Association  is  predominant  as  a  propaganda  organ- 
ization so  also  does  it  surpass  all  other  associations  in  its 

*  This  movement,  it  would  seem,  has  again  taken  on  new  life. 
According  to  press  reports,  President  Mason  of  the  NAM  addressed 
the  manufacturers  of  Tennessee  in  January,  192 1.  He  attacked  the 
measures  before  Congress  to  restrict  immigration,  favored  a  national 
budget  system  and  an  amendment  of  the  federal  tax  laws,  and 
condemned  the  La  Follette  Seamen's  Act.  He  said  that  a  committee 
had  recently  been  constituted  to  give  the  open-shop  policy  energetic 
support.  The  press  report  states  that  "  President  Mason  is  a  member 
of  a  delegation  of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  in  the 
South  for  the  purpose  of  fighting  legislation  inimical  to  the  industry." 
[Ja  (19)  '21  New  Orleans  Times-Picayune  3.] 


362         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

many  and  varied  interrelations.  So  varied  are  these,  that 
they  may  be  grouped  under  five  heads;  and  illustrations, 
rather  than  a  complete  account,  may  be  given :  ( i )  Interre- 
lations through  speakers  and  representatives,  and  the  pub- 
lication of  their  addresses  or  articles,  (2)  Endorsements  or 
commendations  of  one  association  by  another,  (3)  Co-opera- 
tive efforts  in  a  recognized  common  cause,  (4)  Through  com- 
mon officers  and  members,  (5)  Through  affiliations,  foster- 
ing of  other  associations,  and  inter-organizations. 

(i)  Leaders  of  the  Association  have  appeared  before 
various  organizations  of  employers  throughout  the  country 
in  an  effort  to  arouse  the  employers  to  make  a  vigorous 
stand  for  the  "  open  shop."  James  W.  Van  Cleave,  then 
President  of  the  Association,  thus  appealed  to  the  conven- 
tion of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America  in  1906 : 

"  I  wish  that  I  had  a  thousand  voices,  or  a  thousand  pens  to 
write  with;  that  I  had  the  eloquence  of  all  the  orators  and 
the  learning  and  gifts  of  all  the  writers,  that  the  frenzy,  even, 
of  all  agitators  were  mine,  so  as  to  stir  you  up,  and  through 
you,  all  the  means  of  agitation,  and  discussion,  and  education; 
so  that  the  whole  truth  might  be  known  about  these  questions ; 
for  I  assure  you  that  they  are  all  of  everlasting  importance  to 
every  man,  and  every  woman,  and  every  child  in  this  whole 
country."  ^^o 

Emery  addressed  the  United  Typothetae  the  same  year.'®^ 
John  Kirby,  Jr.,  while  President  of  the  N.  A.  M.,  delivered 
before  combinations  of  employers  many  addresses  in 
which  he  condemned  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  and 
affiliated  bodies.  His  address  on  "  The  Goal  of  the  Labor 
Trust "  was  delivered  before  the  Employers'  Association  of 
Springfield,  Mass.,  that  on  "  What  Does  the  Closed  Shop 
Mean  to  You?  "  before  the  Manufacturers'  Association  of 
Bridgeport,  Conn.,  and  that  on  "  Facts  versus  Platitudes 
and  Sophistry  "  before  the  Manufacturers'  Association  of 
Erie,  Penna.,  all  in  1910.^®^     In  191 1,  he  spoke  before  the 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         363 

Mason  Material  Dealers'  Association  of  New  Jersey  on 
"  Labor  Problems  of  the  Times,"  ^^^  before  the  Laundry- 
men's    National    Association    of    America    on    "  Honest 
Unionism  or  None,"  ^^^  before  the  Metal  Manufacturers' 
Association  of  Philadelphia  on  "  The  Business  Man  and 
the  Trend  of  the  Times,"  ^^^  and  before  an  assembly  of 
manufacturers  and  business  men  of  Piqua,  Troy  and  Sid- 
ney, Ohio,  on  the  same  subject.^®^     In  1912,  he  addressed 
the  Employers'  Association  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  on  "  Where 
are  We  Going?  "^^^     Before  the  Baltimore  Builders'  Ex- 
change, he  scored  the  initiative  and  referendum  and  the  labor 
organizations  that  "  backed  up  "  the  McNamaras,  and  he 
delivered  before  the  Manufacturers'  Association  of  York, 
Pa.,^^*  his  address  on  "  The  Wages  of  Tolerance  and  the 
Cost  of  Indifference,"  at  that  time  called  "  Law  and  Liberty 
vs.  Lawlessness."  ^^°     In  the  same  year  he  was  chosen  as 
one  of  the  principal  speakers  at  the  annual  convention  of  the 
Canadian  Manufacturers'  Association,^" °  presumably  as  a 
return  for  the  address  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  Curry,  President  of 
that  organization,  before  the  convention  of  the  N.  A.  M.  a 
few  months  before.^"^     In  1909,  President  Kirby,  in  com- 
pany with  General  Counsel  Emery  and  General  Manager 
Bird  of  the  Association,  toured  the  Pacific  Coast.     In  the 
words  of  President  Kirby :     "  On  that  trip  we  delivered 
addresses  to  the  Commercial  Club  of  Spokane,  to  the  Em- 
ployers   and    Manufacturers   Association   of    Seattle,    and 
later  on  to  the  National  Conservation  Congress  at  the  same 
place,  both  of  these  during  the  Alaska-Yukon-Pacific  Expo- 
sition; to  the  Employers'  Association  of  Oregon  at  Port- 
land :  to  the  Merchants  and  Manufacturers'  Association  and 
the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Los  Angeles,  and  to  the  allied 
commercial   and   industrial   organizations   of   Denver."  ^"^ 
He  says  further  that  this  "  produced  not  only  a  thorough 
understanding  of  our  objects,  but  created  a  desire  to  co-op- 
erate with  us  in  securing  them,  and  it  gave  us  a  powerful  sup- 


364         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

port  throughout  the  whole  West.  Moreover,  it  added  over  a 
hundred  members  to  the  National  Association  of  Manufac- 
turers, and  greatly  widened  and  increased  the  Association's 
influence."  ^"^  In  1910,  President  Kirby  and  General  Man- 
ager Bird  visited  the  West  again,  and  addresses  were  made 
at  Seattle,  Portland,  San  Francisco  and  Los  Angeles,  be- 
fore various  employers'  organizations  and  other  industrial 
bodies.^"*  General  Harrison  Gray  Otis,  of  the  Los  An- 
geles Times,  and  the  Merchants  and  Manufacturers  Asso- 
ciation of  Los  Angeles,  accompanied  them  on  the  trip  and  in 
the  speech-making,^*^ ^  and  later  appeared  at  the  following 
convention  of  the  N.  A.  M.  as  a  speaker,  to  be  lauded 
highly  for  his  fight  against  unionism.*"^ 

In  191 1,  the  same  three  Association  officers,  Kirby,  Em- 
ery and  Bird,  appeared  as  speakers  before  gatherings  of 
manufacturers  in  the  East.  A  notable  gathering  was  held 
at  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  with  all  three  as  speakers.^"^ 
Emery  appeared  with  Kirby  before  the  manufacturers  of 
Philadelphia,  and  Bird  spoke  before  the  Builders'  Exchange 
of  Worcester,  Mass.*°®  Mr.  Emery  was  one  of  the  prin- 
cipal speakers  at  a  monthly  dinner  of  the  Manufacturers' 
Association  of  Bridgeport,  Conn.^^® 

In  addition  to  his  part  in  the  extensive  campaigns  of 
1909,  1910,  and  191 1,  Mr.  Emery  has  been  very  prominent 
as  a  speaker  before  other  associations  for  a  number  of'years. 
He  had  had  considerable  experience  in  this  field  before  he 
became  General  Counsel  of  the  N.  I.  C. —  a  subsidiary  or- 
ganization of  the  N.  A.  M. —  in  1907.  In  1908,  he  at- 
tempted to  enlist  the  support  of  the  members  of  the 
New  York  State  Bankers'  Association,  in  opposition 
to  "  class  legislation  "  and  "  closed-shop  unionism."  "° 
Along  with  his  heavy  legislative  duties  in  191 2,  he 
gave  before  the  convention  of  the  National  Metal  Trades 
Association  a  very  late  report  of  the  developments 
in   the  matter  of   the   eight-hour  bill,   then   before   Con- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         365 

gress.**^  In  191 3,  he  was  the  principal  speaker  at  a 
meeting  of  the  Commercial  Club  of  Boston,  on  the  sub- 
ject, "  Modern  Political  Tendencies  Criticized."  "^  He 
g;ave  an  address  before  the  Springfield,  Mass.,  Board  of 
Trade  on  "  Labor  Legislation  and  Its  Tendencies,"  and  two 
days  later  gave  an  address  before  the  Shippers  and  Manu- 
facturers' Association  of  Rockford,  lUinois.^^^  He  was 
among  the  speakers  at  the  convention  of  the  National  Asso- 
ciation of  Sheet  Metal  Contractors,*^*  and  was  one  of  the 
chief  speakers  at  a  joint  meeting  of  the  Manufacturers' 
Association  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  and  of  the  Employers'  As- 
sociation of  Hartford.*^^  In  19 14,  he  pointed  out  to  the 
Cincinnati  Chamber  of  Commerce  how  much  greater  the 
mass  of  legislation  and  of  court  decisions  was  in  the 
United  States  than  any  other  country  in  the  world.*^^  In 
19 1 5,  at  the  second  annual  convention  of  the  Manufacturers' 
Association  of  New  Jersey,  he  spoke  on  the  "  Rural  Con- 
trol of  Congress,"  *^^  and  at  the  Michigan  Manufacturers' 
Association,  he  criticized  the  Clayton  Anti-Trust  Act.  In 
both  speeches  he  lamented  the  great  influence  of  the  farmer 
and  the  little  influence  of  the  manufacturer  in  legislative 
matters. *^^  In  the  same  year,  he  addressed  the  Business 
Men  of  Seattle  on  "  Mutual  Interests  of  Employer  and  Em- 
ployee." In  19 1 7,  he  delivered  an  address  on  "  The  Manu- 
facturer and  Public  Affairs  "  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Manufacturers'  Association."*^®  He  was  one 
of  the  main  speakers  at  an  Industrial  Conference  of  the 
Canadian  Manufacturers'  Association.*^"  His  oration  on 
"  Tools  and  the  Man  "  was  given  at  an  annual  convention 
of  the  National  Machine  Tool  Builders'  Association.*^^ 

Other  officers  of  the  Association  might  also  be  taken  as 
examples  of  interrelations  through  addresses ;  namely,  Pope, 
Schwedtman,  Nevin,  Miles,  Keough,  and  others. *22  Of- 
ficers of  other  associations  might  likewise  be  discussed  in 
relation  to  their  addresses  before  the  N.  A.  M.  or  their 


366         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

articles  published  by  it,  such  as  Walter  Drew,  of  the 
National  Erectors'  Association,  Daniel  Davenport  of 
the  American  Anti-Boycott  Association,  now  the  League  for 
Industrial  Rights,  and  William  Boetcker,  of  the  Citizen's 
Industrial  Association  of  Toledo,  Ohio.*^' 

(2)  The  National  Association  has  endorsed  or  com- 
mended the  American  Anti-Boycott  Association,^24  ^j^g  q[^^_ 
zens'  Industrial  Association  of  America,^^^  the  National 
Founders'  Association,  the  National  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion,^^® and  the  Federation  of  Employers'  Associations  of 
the  Pacific  Coast,^^^  the  Inter-Racial  Council,*^^  and  has  in 
turn  been  commended  and  endorsed  by  other  associations, 
such  as  the  National  Metal  Trades  Association.'*^^  An  illus- 
tration of  such  endorsements  is  found  in  the  resolution 
**  unanimously  agreed  to  "  in  19 10  by  the  N.  A.  M. : 

**  That  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers  in  con- 
vention assembled,  does  hereby  earnestly  commend  and  heartily 
congratulate  the  American  Anti-Boycott  Association  for  the 
persistency  and  fearlessness  with  which  it  has  carried  on  its 
righteous  crusade,  and  extends  to  it  the  assurance  of  its  felicita- 
tions and  its  earnest  hope  that  it  may  make  permanent  in  our 
country  the  principles  for  which  it  steadfastly  stands."  *^° 

On  the  other  hand,  Association  leaders  have  condemned 
the  National  Civic  Federation,  as  follows : 

"  The  National  Civic  Federation  is  a  splendid  asset  for  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor.  In  that  it  is  a  most  useful 
agent  in  the  promotion  of  its  cause,  advocating  its  doctrines  and 
endorsing  its  criminal  methods.  ...  It  is  the  encouragement 
and  public  favor  that  such  combinations  as  the  National  Civic 
Federation  and  its  president  have  given  to  the  lawless  element, 
headed  by  the  man  who  declared,  *  To  hell  with  your  injunc- 
tions,' that  has  emboldened  these  men  to  defy  the  law  and 
the  courts  as  they  have  done."  *^^ 

Nevertheless,    the    same    officer  —  Ex-President    Kirby 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         367 

—  declared  that  when  the  National  Civic  Federation  would 
adopt  a  declaration  of  principles  like  those  of  the  National 
Metal  Trades  Association,  "  every  member  of  this  Associa- 
tion can  join  hands  with  the  Civic  Federation  and  go  ahead 
with  them  in  the  work  that  they  are  trying  to  perform."  *^^ 
And  to  some  extent  the  N.  A.  M.  has  approved  of  the  work 
of  the  N.  C.  F.  as  is  shown,  (i)  by  the  publication  in 
American  Industries  of  the  endorsement  by  the  National 
Founders'  Association  of  the  report  by  the  N.  C.  F.  on  the 
returns  to  capital  and  labor,^^^  (2)  by  the  printing  in 
American  Industries  of  an  article  on  welfare  work  by  Miss 
Gertrude  Beeks  of  the  Welfare  Department  of  the  N.  C. 
F.,^^*  and,  (3)  likewise  by  commending  her  testimony  be- 
fore the  Commission  on  Industrial  Relations  that,  "  Instead 
of  finding  conditions  particularly  bad  in  New  York  stores, 
many  unsuspected  fine  features  were  discovered."  *^' 
Friendly  relations  were  shown  when  Mr,  Nevin  of  the  N. 
A.  M.  spoke  before  the  N.  C.  F.  in  191 5,  and  Mr.  Hammond 
of  the  N.  C.  F,  addressed  the  annual  banquet  of  the  N.  A. 
M.  in  1916.''^^ 

(3)  The  Association  has  co-operated  with  other  associa- 
tions in  what  it  believed  was  a  common  cause.  A  few  illus- 
trations will  indicate  the  manner  and  slightly  suggest  the  ex- 
tent of  such  co-operation.  There  has  been  co-operation  in 
opposing  labor  legislation. ^^^  For  example,  counsel  of  the 
N.  A.  M.,  N.  M.  T.  A.  and  N.  F.  A.  have  joined  their 
efforts  at  Washington  in  opposing  bills  desired  by  labor 
unions. "^^^  The  N.  A.  M.  aided  the  National  Association 
of  Employing  Lithographers  in  its  fight  for  the  open 
shop.^^®  On  October  15,  1920,  the  N.  A.  M.  established  an 
Open-Shop  Department  for  the  purpose  of :  — 

"  The  collection,  compilation  and  dissemination  of  informa- 
tion, data  and  discussion  regarding  the  open  shop  and  its  es- 
sential relation  to  our  national  ideals  and  institutions  and  to 
industrial  stability,  productivity  and  national  progress; 


368  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  By  initiating,  encouraging  or  fostering  local  movements  for 
the  maintenance  or  extension  of  open-shop  operation  or  the 
spread  of  open-shop  principles; 

"  By  co-operation  with  different  bodies,  national  or  local, 
devoted  to  these  ends  and  by  furthering  such  measures  to  se- 
cure co-ordinated  effort  on  the  part  of  such  bodies  as  may 
seem  wise  and  practicable ; 

"  By  such  further  means  as  may  be  decided  upon  by  the  Board 
of  Directors  of  the  Association."  **" 

"  The  open-shop  department  of  this  Association  was  organ- 
ized to  better  advance  the  open-shop  principles,  adopted  as 
early  as  1903.  The  department  is  to  act  chiefly  as  a  clearing 
house  of  information.  The  sentiment  of  the  firms  and  asso- 
ciations with  which  we  are  in  communication  is  that  such 
should  be  the  work  of  the  department,  the  functions  of  which 
will  be  purely  advisory  and  informative.  The  department  is 
contemplating  the  issuing  of  a  pamphlet  containing  typical 
open-shop  advertisements  from  many  cities,  the  material  for 
which  has  already  been  gathered  an4  indexed.  Pamphlets  deal- 
ing with  particular  phases  of  the  problem  will  be  issued. 
Material  for  a  *  debater's  handbook '  or  *  open  shop  encyclo- 
pedia '  is  now  being  collected."  ^*°  [This  "  Encyclopedia  "  was 
issued  in  1921.] 

The  Association  has  set  forth  at  length  the  causes  of  the 
remarkable  growth  of  the  open-shop  movement,  and  is 
issuing  bulletins  on  this  subject.'*^ ^  It  has  opposed  national 
agreements  on  the  railroads  —  that  is,  "  closed-shop  rail- 
roads " —  and  has  urged  the  railroad  managers  to  stand 
firm  against  such  agreements.*'*^  It  has  proposed  that  a 
building  be  constructed  in  Washington,  D.  C,  and  set  aside 
exclusively  for  headquarters  for  the  various  associations 
so  that  co-operation  will  be  made  closer  and  more  readily.**^ 
At  the  request  of  the  President  of  the  N.  F.  A.,  and  along 
with  other  associations,  the  N.  A.  M.,  endorsed  the  Anthra- 
cite Coal  Strike  Commission  and  the  principles  it  laid  down 
in  its  decision."*  The  N.  A.  M.  co-operates  freely  with  the 
League  for  Industrial  Rights  and  especially  in  opposition  to 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         369 

labor  legislation.''^^  The  N.  A.  M.  co-operated  with  the 
New  York  Branch  of  the  United  Typothetse  of  America  by 
having  American  Industries  printed  in  the  school  of  the 
latter  organization.**®  The  N.  A.  M.  has  received  and  given 
aid  freely  to  other  associations  in  a  general  campaign  for  the 
prevention  of  accidents.**'^  Its  assistance  to  other  associa- 
tions in  their  fight  for  the  open  shop  has  been  noteworthy,**® 
from  the  encouragement  given  to  the  Oklahoma  City 
Chamber  of  Commerce  **®  to  the  extended  support  accorded 
to  associations  on  the  Pacific  Coast. *^^  There  was  a  report 
that  the  Association,  in  1907,  had  promised  a  large  sum  to 
San  Francisco  business  men  if  they  would  in  turn  raise  a 
large  amount  to  support  the  leading  business  interests  of  that 
city  in  a  general  lockout  of  the  unions.  The  joint  fund 
then  promised  was  said  to  be  in  the  millions  of  dollars.**^* 
In  1910,  the  following  associations  joined  with  the  Asso- 
ciation in  the  fight  for  the  open  shop  on  the  Pacific  Coast : 
Worcester  Builders'  Exchange,  Employers'  Association  of 
the  District  of  Columbia,  Master  Builders'  Association  of 
Boston,  Metal  Manufacturers'  Association  of  Philadelphia, 
Employers'  Association  of  Buffalo,  National  Erectors'  As- 
sociation, Citizens'  liidustrial  Association  of  Toledo,  Broad 
Silk  Manufacturers'  Association,  and  the  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation of  Cleveland. *'^2  In  1919,  the  N.  A.  M.  assured  the 
President  and  members  of  the  American  Steamship  Asso- 
ciation "of  the  whole  hearted  and  unselfish  support  of  the 
members  of  this  Association  [N,  A.  M.]  in  upholding  the 
open  shop.*^^  Officers  of  the  N.  A.  M.  have  co-operated 
with  many  associations  in  breaking  strikes,  although  credit 
is  not  usually  given  nor  claimed,  for  instance,  as  it  was 
given  in  the  Grand  Rapids  Strike.*^*  And  finally,  this 
co-operation  has  extended  across  the  seas,  even  to  far-off 
Australia,  where  the  report  has  come  back  that  the  employers 
there  found  that  they  had  "  a  common  cause  "  with  em- 
ployers here,  through  the  Commission  sent  there  by  the  N. 


370         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

A.  M.^^^     This  co-operation  has  extended  also  to  England 
to  the  National  Labour  Association  there.* ^^ 

(4)  Interrelations  through  common  members  and  officers 
can  be  illustrated  by  a  few  instances  from  a  wealth  of  cases. 
In  1903,  it  was  said  that  about  all  the  members  of  the  N. 
M.  T.  A.  were  also  members  of  the  N.  A.  M.  In  1904, 
Mr.  Ittner  of  the  N.  A.  M.  testified,  "  I  am  a  member  of 
four  national  bodies.  I  am  the  ex-president  of  two."  *^'' 
Mr.  Philip  Bird,  General  Manager  of  the  N.  A.  M.,  was 
re-elected  President  of  the  Manufacturers'  Association  of 
New  Jersey  in  1915,*^^  and  had  been  elected  member  of  the 
Administrative  Council  of  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  in  1907.*^®  John 
Kirby,  Jr.,  formerly  President  of  the  N.  A.  M.  was  also 
President  of  the  Dayton  Employers'  Association  at  the  same 
time*®"  and  had  been  a  member  of  the  Administrative 
Council  of  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  a  short  time  before.*"  In  1908, 
he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of  America,  and  claimed 
that  he  was  "  in  constant  touch  with  the  manufacturing  in- 
terests of  the  country."  ^^^  As  a  final  illustration,  let  us 
take  David  M.  Parry,  who  "  was  president,  for  four  years, 
from  1902  to  1906,  of  the  National  Association  of  Manu- 
facturers, and  has  since  been  a  director  and  life  member  of 
the  executive  committee.  He  was  formerly  president  of 
the  National  Association  of  Carriage  Builders,  and  a  direc- 
tor in  that  association  for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  at 
one  time  president  of  the  Indiana  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion, and  of  the  Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of 
America."  *®^ 

(5)  The  Association  is  rich  in  affiliations,  especially 
through  the  National  Industrial  Council  —  its  subsidiary 
organization  —  which  has  over  300  other  associations  as 
members.*®*  It  was  likewise  related  to  many  other  associa- 
tions through  the  now-defunct  Citizens'  Industrial  Asso- 
ciation of  America,  which  it  fostered.*®''     It  has  attempted 


The  Natiatial  Association  of  Manufacturers         371 

for  many  years  and  in  several  ways  to  affiliate  or  federate 
all  of  the  employers'  associations  of  the  country,  sometimes 
the  national  ones,  sometimes  both  local  and  national  organi- 
zations.^^*^  In  1916,  the  N.  A.  M.,  in  its  effort  to  federate 
the  employers'  associations  of  the  country,  invited,  to  speak 
before  its  convention  on  the  subjects  of  federation  and  the 
association  movement,  a  number  of  the  leaders  of  state 
and  local  associations.  Among  these  leaders  and  associa- 
tions were  the  following :  Mr.  Seneca  C.  Beach,  President  of 
the  Merchants  and  Manufacturers'  Association  of  San 
Francisco;  Mr.  Thomas  J.  Kelley,  Manager  of  the  Manu- 
facturers' Association  of  Connecticut;  Mr.  J.  E.  Edger- 
ton.  President  of  the  Tennessee  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion; Mr.  Frank  D.  Rash,  Vice-President  of  the  Kentucky 
Manufacturers  and  Shippers'  Association;  Mr.  William 
George  Bruce,  Secretary  of  the  Merchants  and  Manufac- 
turers' Association  of  Milwaukee;  Mr.  Hal  H,  Smith,  of 
the  Michican  Manufacturers'  Association;  Mr.  J.  W.  Fer- 
guson, Vice-President  of  the  Manufacturers'  Association  of 
New  Jersey;  Mr.  D.  E.  Felt,  Vice-President  of  the  Illinois 
Manufacturers'  Association;  Mr.  Gerry  Jones,  Vice-Presi- 
dent of  the  Associated  Manufacturers  and  Merchants  of 
New  York  State;  Mr.  C.  B.  McCoy,  President  of  the  Ohio 
Manufacturers'  Association;  Mr.  Earl  Constantine,  special 
representative  of  the  Employers'  Association  of  the  Inland 
Empire;  Mr.  R.  H.  Rice,  President  of  the  Associated  In- 
dustries of  Massachusetts;  Mr.  William  H.  Barr,  President 
of  the  National  Founders'  Association;  Mr.  Charles  J. 
Graham,  President  of  the  American  Hardware  Manufac- 
turers' Association ;  Mr.  E.  J.  Wile,  President  of  the  Cloak, 
Suit,  and  Skirt  Manufacturers'  Protective  Association  of 
New  York  City;  Mr.  Frank  L.  Moore,  ex-President  of  the 
American  Paper  and  Pulp  Association;  Mr.  B.  A.  Van 
Winkle,  President  of  the  Indiana  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion; Mr.  A.  H.  McGhan,  Secretary  of  the  International 


372  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Association  of  Master  House  Painters;  Mr,  Herbert  H. 
Rice,  ex-President  of  the  National  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion,'*^' Recently,  it  has  turned  part  of  its  efforts  to 
conference  committees.  It  joined  with  the  National 
Founders'  Association,  the  National  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion, and  the  National  Electric  Light  Association,  and 
formed  a  Conference  Board  on  Safety  and  Sanitation,*^® 
The  N,  A,  M,  was  also  a  member  of  the  Conference  Board 
on  Training  of  Apprentices,*^^  and  is  now  represented  on 
the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board.*'^"  It  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the  United  States  and 
in  this  way  is  affiliated  with  many  other  associations.  The 
N.  A.  M,  had  much  to  do  in  the  formation  of  this  Chamber 
of  Commerce,  and  expected  the  new  organization  to  ac- 
complish great  results  for  the  employer,*'^  but  the  N.  A,  M, 
found  out  that  the  interests  of  the  two  organizations  were 
not  always  identical. *'^^ 

The  National  Industrial  Council,  formerly  called  the 
National  Council  for  Industrial  Defense,  cannot  be  regarded 
apart  from  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  for 
it  is  strictly  the  legislative  and  political  department  of  the 
latter.     In  1909,  President  Kirby  thus  spoke  of  it: 

"We  have  an  organization  within  this  organization  for  the 
purpose  of  looking  after  what  I  will  term  bad  legislation  and 
eventually  to  promote  good  legislation.  The  work  that  that 
organization  has  done  is  more  or  less  familiar  to  all  of  you  and 
I  am  not  going  to  undertake  to  explain  it  here  tonight,  because 
it  might  be  embarrassing  to  some  gentlemen  who  are  to  speak 
to  you,"  *" 

And  General  Manager  Bird  in  191 3  characterized  it  as 
follows : 

"  The  National  Council  for  Industrial  Defense  is  an  organiza- 
tion composed  of  about  253  other  organizations,  national,  state, 
and  local,  who  sign  an  enrollment  blank,  as  we  call  it,  which 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         373 

authorizes  Mr.  Emery  to  represent  them  in  Washington  before 
committees  on  matters  pertaining  to  labor  legislation.  That  is 
all  the  council  is,  and  there  is  no  need  for  any  meetings.  There 
is  no  need  for  any  board  of  directors."  "* 

Objects. —  About  four  years  later,  the  Council  adopted 
a  very  brief  constitution  which  gives  the  objects  of  the  or- 
ganization as  follows: 

"  I.  To  establish  and  maintain  a  legislative  reference  bureau 
for  the  compilation,  analysis  and  distribution  of  accurate  and 
timely  information  respecting  legislation  affecting  industrial 
relations. 

"  2.  To  advise  its  members  with  respect  to  legislation  pro- 
posed or  enacted,  affecting  their  business  relations  with  the 
various  departments  of  the  national  government  and  with 
state  government  when  deemed  advisable. 

"  3.  To  preserve  and  promote  the  principles  of  individual 
freedom  for  employers  and  employees  in  commerce  and  indus- 
try. To  emphasize  the  essential  worth  of  these,  and  to  defend 
them  against  legislation  calculated  to  impair  or  destroy  them 
or  the  legal  remedies  by  which  they  are  efficiently  protected. 
To  appeal  to  public  and  legislative  opinion  repecting  these  mat- 
ters through  every  medium  by  which  it  can  be  legitimately  and 
effectively  informed. 

"  4.  Vigorously  to  oppose  class  legislation  in  whatever  form 
it  proposes  to  make  it  lawful  for  one  class  of  citizens  to  do 
that  which  remains  unlawful  for  any  other  class  to  do.  To  en- 
courage legislation  tending  to  better  the  relations  between  em- 
ployer and  employee."  "^ 

Membership  is  open  only  to  other  organizations  of  em- 
ployers such  as  employers'  associations,  manufacturers'  as- 
sociations, chambers  of  commerce,  and  similar  bodies.  In 
1920,  it  was  said  to  have  enrolled  over  300  such  organiza- 
tions.^^« 

Government. —  The  Council  is  now  said  to  be  financially 
independent  of  any  other  organization,  but  its  control  is 


374         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

still  vested  in  a  self-elected  or  self-perpetuating  Executive 
Committee.  The  Executive  Committee  is  made  up  of  five 
members.  There  are  a  General  Counsel  and  a  Secretary- 
Treasurer,  who  presumably  hold  their  offices  permanently 
without  election.  The  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee is  elected  by  the  Committee  for  a  term  of  two  years, 
and  this  Chairman  selects  the  other  two  members  of  the 
Committee. '*^^  There  is  also  an  Advisory  Committee,  con- 
sisting of  the  active  executives  (secretaries  or  managers  and 
presidents)  of  the  affiliated  state  industrial  associations. 
This  committee  is  designed  to  initiate  suggestions  dealing 
with  the  methods  and  policies  of  the  Council.  The  sug- 
gestions are  acted  upon  promptly  by  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, which  meets  at  the  same  time  as  the  Advisory  Com- 
mittee. These  two  committees  thus  form  a  national  con- 
ference. The  Council  is  now  developing  state  conferences 
of  a  similar  character. ^^^  The  Advisory  Committee  was 
formerly  chosen  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee with  the  approval  of  the  latter  Committee.'*^^ 

The  Council  has  no  system  of  fees  or  dues.  "  Its  rev- 
enues are  derived  solely  by  contributions  from  those  who 
appreciate  the  necessity  for  such  an  organization  and  the 
value  of  its  work  to  the  American  public."  *^^ 

The  Council  was  organized  in  1907  as  a  joint  legislative 
committee  of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers 
and  the  Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of  America.  A 
series  of  conferences  had  been  held  that  year  in  an  attempt 
to  form  a  council  that  would  enlist  the  support  of  a  large 
number  of  powerful  associations,  such  as  the  National 
Metal  Trades  Association  and  the  National  Founders'  As- 
sociation, but  a  satisfactory  scheme  could  not,  it  seems,  be 
worked  out.  In  1908  when  it  had  supplanted  the  C.  I. 
A.  A.,  it  was  said  to  have  had  only  eleven  organizations  in 
its  membership.  It  sought  then  to  unify  the  action  of 
national  and  local  associations  on  matters  relating  to  in- 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         375 

dustrial  legislation  both  national  and  state.**^  It  has,  how- 
ever, succeeded,  without  the  active  support  of  many  of  the 
more  powerful  national  employers'  associations,  in  defeat- 
ing so  many  of  the  legislative  proposals  of  the  American 
Federation  of  Labor  as  to  receive  national  recognition  as 
the  "  enemy  "  of  the  A.  F.  of  L.  in  the  legislative  and  politi- 
cal field.  In  the  past  two  years,  the  scope  of  its  work  has 
widened. 

At  a  meeting  held  in  the  latter  part  of  1919,  the  name 
of  the  Council  was  changed  from  the  National  Council  for 
Industrial  Defense  to  its  present  one  of  National  Industrial 
Council,  first,  because  "  the  word  *  Defense '  was  of  mis- 
leading character  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Council  is 
primarily  engaged  in  constructive  effort.  Second  it  was 
felt  that  the  change  was  needed  because  of  the  existence 
since  the  beginning  of  the  war  of  the  Council  for  National 
Defense,  with  the  name  of  which  organization  there  has 
naturally  been  much  confusion."  **^  The  Council  "  was 
established  as  a  separate  and  specific  medium  through  which 
constant,  watchful  attention  might  be  given  to  the  matter  of 
vicious  class  legislation  which  is  ever  being  urged  in  the 
Federal  Congress  by  organized  labor,"  ^^^  and  to  enable  its 
affiliated  organizations  to  co-operate  systematically  in  oppo- 
sition to  such  legislation  when  presented  to  Federal  or 
State  legislative  bodies.'*®*  But  at  the  national  confer- 
ence in  1919,  the  Council  decided  to  enlist  industrial  organi- 
zations of  the  country  in  a  movement  toward  adequate 
salaries  for  public-school  teachers,  to  take  joint  action  de- 
signed to  prevent  the  affiliation  of  the  police  and  similar 
public  departments  of  government  with  the  American  Fed- 
eration of  Labor,  and  to  publish  information  to  make  clear 
to  American  employers  the  significance  of  the  labor  pro- 
visions of  the  Versailles  Treaty  of  Peace.*®^ 

The  Council  in  1920  at  its  national  conference  and  dinner, 
discussed  or  listened  to  discussions  on  the  permanent  con- 


376         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

solidation  of  the  express  companies,  the  cancellation  of  con- 
tracts, the  Non-Partisan  League,  the  "  open  shop,"  the  im- 
migration problem,  the  labor  situation  on  the  railroads,  and 
state  constabulary  legislation.  The  Council  has  decided  to 
take  an  aggressive  attitude  towards  legislation  and  urge  the 
passage  of  laws  such  as  those  providing  for  a  state  con- 
stabulary.^^^ 

The  Council  is  attempting  to  develop  further  its  scheme 
of  "  pyramided  conferences,"  that  is,  first,  a  state  confer- 
ence where  questions  of  interest  to  the  various  local  and 
state  organizations  are  discussed,  and  second,  the  national 
conference  where  delegates  fresh  from  the  state  conferences 
will  come  with  the  ideas  gathered  from  the  state  confer- 
ences. It  has  also  developed  another  mode  of  contact, 
namely  through  an  Executive-Secretary  who  travels  about 
the  country  to  meet  the  officers  of  the  affiliated  associations 
and  hold  discussions  and  conferences  with  such  officers. 
The  Council  has  concluded  that  the  contact  previously  pro- 
vided by  letters  and  printed  literature  alone  was  not  en- 
tirely adequate.^^^  It  is  undoubtedly  preparing  for  a  great 
increase  in  its  activities  and  influence. 

Along  with  its  widening  of  scope  and  extension  of  means 
of  contact  with  other  associations,  there  has  come  no  lessen- 
ing of  control  over  the  Council  by  the  National  Association 
of  Manufacturers.  It  was  stated  in  December,  1920,  that 
the  N.  A.  M.  has  not  only  "  assisted  very  materially  in  the 
development  of  the  Council,"  but  that  "  In  fact,  the  relations 
between  the  two  are  very  intimate  and  there  is  interlocking 
of  directors."  ^®* 

The  Citizens'  Industrial  Association,  the  predecessor  of 
the  N.  I.  C.  was  in  a  number  of  respects  similar  to  the  N.  A. 
M.  While  it  closely  resembled  the  N.  A.  M.  in  activities, 
its  membership  was  dissimilar  in  that  even  laboring  men 
were  eligible,  and  that  it  was  itself  largely  a  federated  body. 
Its  plan  of  federated  bodies  somewhat  resembles  that  of  the 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         377 

N.  I.  C.     The  C.  I.  A.  A.  was  more  strenuous  in  its  propa 
ganda  than  the  N.  A.  M.  has  been. 

Accordingly,  it  may  be  said  that  the  National  Associa- 
tion of  Manufacturers  stands  today  as  one  of  the  great  op- 
ponents of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  in  the  legisla- 
tive, political  and  propaganda  fields.  Its  many  achieve- 
ments in  defending  the  employer's  interests  in  labor  matters, 
merit  for  it  the  support  of  every  open-shop  manufacturer. 
While  some  of  its  methods  may  have  been  of  a  somewhat 
questionable  character,  as  has  been  charged,  the  resort  to 
such  methods  was  almost  inevitable  in  the  fight  that  it  has 
conducted  in  behalf  of  the  open-shop  manufacturer. 

REFERENCES 

1  Eight  Hour  Law,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  Education  and 
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530 ;  '20  N  A  M  306.  *  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  National  Asso- 
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4;  '06  N  A  M  27;  '08  N  A  M  131,  134.  «'09  N  A  M  68;  see  also 
My  '13  Am  Ind  33.  '^  My  '12  Am  Ind  18.  8*13  N  A  M  221.  ^ '12 
NAM  40-41 ;  see  also  '20  N  A  M  296.  ^'^'15  NAM  264,  also  214; 
'20  N  A  M  44.  11 '10  N  A  M  15;  '16  N  A  M  52;  '20  N  A  M  65, 
304;  '19  N  A  M  86,  376;  '18  N  A  M  73;  see  also  '08  N  A  M  7-8, 
105;  Je  '20  Am  Ind  7.  12 '12  N  A  M  40.  i3 '14  NAM  168;  '15 
NAM  211-213,  219,  also  6;  '16  NAM  301;  see  also  '08  N  A  M 
132.  i*F(i)'o7  Am  Ind  5;  '20  N  A  M  44.  i^  Const  9;  on  amend- 
ing the  Const.,  see  '08  N  A  M  130-132.  i*»  Const  5,  7;  '18  N  A  M 
95.  124,  340-341;  '19  NAM  170,  375,  376;  '20  N  A  M  302.  1^  Const 
5;  '18  N  A  M  341;  '19  N  A  M  415.  18  Const  6,  7-8;  Je(i)'o8 
Am  Ind  40.  i»  Je(i)'o8  Am  Ind  41.  20  0(15) '06  Am  Ind  10;  see  also 
'13  N  A  M  88.    2i'o9  N  A  M  210.    22*03  N  A  M  104;  My(i5)'o7 


378         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Am  Ind  9;  O  '13  Am  Ind  9;  '20  N  A  M  46;  Maintenance  of  a 
Lobby  to  Influence  Legislation,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on 
the  Judiciary,  U.  S.  Senate,  1913,  p.  2619,  (Abv.  S  L  H).  23  Const 
12.  24 '13  NAM  58.  20 '16  NAM  75-76.  26'og  N  A  M  231; 
'10  N  A  M  94;  S  L  H  2736-37.  27 '10  N  A  M  94;  see  also  '16 
NAM  224;  Industrial  Relations,  Final  Report  and  Testimony,  U.  S. 
Commission  on  Industrial  Relations,  pp.  724,  725,  (Abv.  Ind  Rel)  ; 
Constitution  of  the  National  Council  for  Industrial  Defense,  4-5.  (Abv. 
Const  N  C  I  D)  ;  D  '20  Am  Ind  19.  28  Mr  '11  Am  Ind  10.  29  Const 
3.  30 '04  NAM  172-174;  '13  N  A  M  58,  195;  '07  N  A  M  209; 
Je(i)'o7  Am  Ind  2;  '10  N  A  M  134-135.  ^^  '05  NAM  172;  '14  N  A  M 
193;  see  also  '16  N  A  M  75;  '20  N  A  M  no.  ^2 '04  NAM  173- 
174;  My(i5)'o9  Am  Ind  8;  Au(i)'o9  Am  Ind  6;  N  '19  Am  Ind 
41;  '19  N  A  M  back  cover;  '20  N  A  M  back  cover;  Where  Do  You 
Stand?  45-46  (Abv  Where)  ;  Ind  Rel  726,  760,  10824.  ^^'13  NAM 
IQS;  see  also  My(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  22.  »* '10  NAM  96;  see  also 
'19  N  A  M  139-140.  ^^  '04  N  A  M  202 ;  see  also  '08  Const  3. 
88Jl(i)'o7  Am  Ind  i;  Je(i)'o7  Am  Ind  11;  D(i)'o7  Am  Ind  25; 
Ap(i)'o9  Am  Ind  8.  s7 '04  N  A  M  15,  204;  Jl(i)'o4  Am  Ind  11; 
Ind  Rel  725.  ^^  My  '13  Am  Ind  33.  ^9 '04  NAM  243-244;  cf.  '20 
NAM  29-30.  40Miy(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  23;  '07  N  A  M  209;  Te(i)'o7 
Am  Ind  2;  Ind  Rel  724.  *iS(is)'o7  Am  Ind  5;  '16  N  A  M  102,  105, 
106,  etc.,  298 ;  '20  N  A  M  27-64.  *2  Eight  Hours  for  Laborers  on 
Government  Work,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  Education 
and  Labor,  U.  S.  Senate,  1902,  pp.  23-24,  (Abv.  '02  S  H  H)  ;  N(2)'o3 
Am  Ind  8;  '04  N  A  M  116;  '07  N  A  M  13-14;  see  also  Reports  of 
the  U.  S.  Industrial  Commission,  (Abv.  Ind  Com).  *3N(2)'o3  Am 
Ind  8;  My(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  21 ;  '97  N  A  M  92-93;  '98  N  A  M  20-22, 
62;  '00  N  A  M  153,  also  115-118;  Circular  of  Information  No.  40. 
**  '02  S  H  H  23 ;  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Convention,  United 
Typothetae  of  America,  1902,  pp.  176-180,  (Abv.  '02  U  T  A).  ^'^ '03 
NAM  133-134;  '20  NAM  49-50.  *6'o3  NAM,  throughout;  '20 
NAM  49-51.  ■*^'04  List  of  Members  N  A  M ;  see  also  Proceedings 
since  then.  ^^'lo  N  A  M  5;  '03  N  A  M  13.  *»'i3  NAM  121,  131. 
^°'i2  NAM  233;  Mr  '12  Am  Ind  11-12.  ^1 D  '11  Am  Ind  41. 
''2Au(i5)'07  Am  Ind  19.  '^^ '09  N  A  M  38.  '5*Au(i5)'o4  Am  Ind 
Supplement  4.  '^'^  Je  '14  Am  Ind  8.  ^^'14  N  A  M  193 ;  see  also 
Ind  Rel  727.  57 '04  NAM  148-149.  ss  Mr  '11  Am  Ind  27.  «» '09 
N  A  M  205.  «o'ii  NAM  264-265.  «i'o7  N  A  M  46-47.  «2'ii 
NAM  308.  «3  ji  '11  Am  Ind  37-  ®*'i2  NAM  244,  304-305;  Anti- 
Injunction  Bill,  Complete  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  the  Ju- 
diciary, House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States,  1904,  pp.  286- 
287,  Abv.  '04  H  I  H)  ;  '19  N  A  M  12-15,  136,  183;  Reports  of  the 
President  and  Secretary  for  the  year  1901-02,  Employers'  A'ssociation 
of  Dayton.  Ohio,  pp.  9-10,  (Abv.  '02  E  A  Dayton).  ^^ '04  NAM 
75.    ««'i3  NAM  74-75-    «''ii  N  A  M  75.    88  Where  8.    69  where 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         379 

10.  '0  Where  35-  '^^ 'i  i  N  A  M  264.  "Au  '13  Am  Ind  18.  "'04 
NAM  122-123.  ^-I'li  NAM  93.  ''^  ]\(2)'o6  Am  Ind  7.  '« '04 
N  A  M  17;  '07  N  A  M  12,  80;  '11  N  A  M  230-231,  264.  ^^'03 
NAM  252.  78  See  "Hearings"  on  this  subject,  before  the  Com- 
mittees on  Labor  of  the  U.  S.  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
for  the  years  1902-1912.  e.g.,  '02  S  H  H  23-24,  614-616;  '12  S  H  H 
121,  271 ;  See  also  Je  '08  Square  Deal  5.  (Abv.  Sq  D)  ;  '08  N  A  M 
280-281,  289-290;  '11  N  A  M  231;  Jl  '12  Am  Ind  ^^3;  Ap  '13  Am  Ind 
14;  Je  '17  Am  Ind  15,  32-33;  Bulletin  No  i  of  the  Citizens'  Indus- 
trial Association  of  America  3 ;  '20  N  A  M  109-1 10,  123.  ''^  '04 
NAM  116,  184-185;  '04  H  I  H  679ff;  '07  N  A  M  11-14.  soje  '08 
Sq  D  35-36;  '08  N  A  M  28,  130,  143,  264-272,  286-289;  '09  N  A  M 
61;  '10  N  A  M  289;  Ap  '13  Am  Ind  14-16;  '14  S  T  H  1171;  '14 
NAM  159-162;  My  '20  Aim  Ind  26-27;  Bulletin  No.  18.  National 
Council  for  Industrial  Defense,  (Abv.  Bui  N  C  I  D)  ;  '18  N  A  M 
247.  81 '08  N  A  M  iio-iii,  143,  274-280;  '10  N  A  M  289-290;  Ap 
'13,  Am  Ind  14-15;  My  '13  Am  Ind  12,  14-lS;  Ap(24)'i3  Iron  Trade 
Review  964;  '13  N  A  M  105-106;  Jl  '13  Am  Ind  7;  '18  N  A  M 
107,  334-338;  '19  N  A  M  285,  334-337-  ^^ '08  N  A  M  272-274;  '18 
NAM  247;  Bui  N  C  I  D  No  18;  '10  N  A  M  289.  83  Ap  '13  Am 
Ind  15.  84 '11  N  A  M  127;  '12  N  A  M  138.  85  ^p  '13  Am  Ind  15; 
Ap  '15  Am  Ind  n,  35;  My  '15  Am  Ind  11;  '16  N  A  M  217;  Bui 
N  C  I  D  No  17,  No  20,  No  21.  No  26;  Business;  '18  N  A  M 
247;  '19  N  A  M  24-25,  155,  286,  289;  '20  N  A  M  86,  297;  D  'ig  Am 
Ind  23;  F  '20  Am  Ind  37-38;  Je  '20  Aim  Ind  16,  18;  Mr  '20  Am  Ind  12. 
8«'o8  N  A  M  158-162,  293,  314.  "'is  NAM  134-135;  '16  N  A  M 
32;  but  see  Je  '17  Am  Ind  12-13.  ^^  See,  however,  '15  N  A  M  10,  42. 
8°  Mr  '15  Am  Ind  8;  see  also  '09  N  A  M  256;  My(i)'o9  Am  Ind 
5-6;  My  '13  Am  Ind  33.  »o  N  '12  Am  Ind  7.  ^i '09  N  A  M  163. 
»2Au  '16  Am  Ind  9-13;  see  also  '18  NAM  220;  '19  N  A  M  109- 
iio.  93 'i5  NAM  232;  '18  NAM  215-219;  '12  N  A  M  4.  »* '10 
NAM  133.  95  '10  NAM  287 ;  see  also  94 ;  '08  N  A  M  107-108,  295- 
298.  98'o8  N  A  M  107.  0'F(i)'o7  Am  Ind  5.  98  jnd  Rd  725;  see 
also  '20  N  A  M  123-124.  99  '10  N  A  M  289,  see  also  288.  1°°  '16 
NAM  232.  ioiMy(i)'o9  Am  Ind  8.  io2My(i)'o9  Am  Ind  6,  9; 
My(i5)'o9  Am  Ind  17;  '09  N  A  M  225,  227;  '10  N  A  M  94;  Ja 
'II  Am  Ind  13;  My  '13  Am  Ind  34;  Bui  N  C  I  D  No  9;  Mr  '14 
Am  Ind  40;  see  also  '08  N  A  M  112,  120-121.  io3 '09  N  A  M  60. 
^o*  '09  N  A  M  228 ;  see  also  '20  N  A  M  298-299.  lo^  '09  N  A  M 
228.  108  Je  '20  Am  Ind  13;  '20  N  A  M  298-299.  i*'^ '14  NAM  193; 
N  '14  Am  Ind  14;  see  also  Mr  '15  Am  Ind  33.  ^os^u  14  Am  Ind 
13;  see  also  '16  NAM  295.  io9'i6  NAM  232.  11° '04  NAM 
236;  '98  N  A  M  43-45;  '08  N  A  M  II,  18.  185-186,  315;  My(i5)'o8 
Am  Ind  22;  Je(i)  '08  Am  Ind  7-9;  '09  N  A  M  60:  '10  N  A  M  88; 
N  '14  Am  Ind  7;  '16  N  A  M  117-119;  '18  N  A  M  60;  '19  N  A  M 
287-288,  410-411.    "^'04  NAM  121.    "20(i)'o6  Am  Ind  9.    "'D 


380         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

'20  Am  Ind  8,  22,  see  also  10;  '20  N  A  M  no;  F(i5)'o7  Am  Ind 
7;  '07  N  A  M  36-37,  42;  '08  N  A  M  191-192;  '12  NAM,  throughout; 
Ap  '15  Am  Ind  13;  O  '19  Am  Ind  10;  '19  N  A  M  150-152,  286-287; 
Au  '20  Am  Ind  17,  i^'*  My  '15  Am  Ind  15,  18-19,  36;  '19  NAM 
127,  283,  284,  289;  S  '19  Am  Ind  8-9,  16-19;  O  '19  Am  Ind  21-22. 
ii«Mr  '15  Am  Ind  7.  "« Mr  '15  Am  Ind  9,  31.  "^Ja  '15  Am 
Ind  7;  F  '15  Am  Ind  11;  Ap  '15  Am  Ind  12;  S  '15  Am  Ind  10; 
Business;  '19  N  A  M  127.  338.  ^^^  Mr  '15  Am  Ind  9.  ii»  My  '15  Am 
Ind  9,  15;  '19  N  A  M  127.  140,  182,  287-288;  O  '19  Am  Ind  10;  D  '19 
Am  Ind  9;  Mr  '20  Am  Ind  7;  Je  '20  Am  Ind  16,  18;  '20  N  A  M  77-78; 
Au  '20  Am  Ind  17.  120  y[j.  '13  ^m  Ind  41 ;  see  also  Ap  '14  Am  Ind  10. 
121  Au  '14  Am  Ind  44,  46.  1-22  National  Association  of  Manufacturers, 
Report  of  the  American  Trade  Commission  on  Industrial  Conditions 
in  Australasia.  123 '03  N  A  M  28.  124 'j^  N  A  M  13,  14;  The  Atti- 
tude Which  Should  be  Taken  by  an  Educated  Ministry  Toward  the 
Modern  Industrial  Situation,  by  O.  P.  Briggs.  (MS,  Abv.  Attitude.) 
125  S  'is  Am  Ind  9.  ^^^  ]a  '15  Am  Ind  15;  F  '15  Am  Ind  11;  Je  '15 
Am  Ind  10.  127 'jp  NAM  104,  i53,  283-284;  Au  '19  Am  Ind  12. 
128  Ap  '13  Am  Ind  13;  '12  N  A  M  75-76,  260;  N  '14  Am  Ind  14;  Je  '17 
Am  Ind  14,  33-34.  129^1.  'j^  Am  Ind  10;  S  '15  Am  Ind  9. 
i3''D(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  45;  '16  N  A  M  295;  Je  '20  Am  Ind  22.  i^i '06 
NAM  155-156;  '07  N  A  M  207-208;  '09  N  A  M  158-161 ;  '10  N  A  M 
246-248,  298;  '11  N  A  M  33-34,  116;  '12  N  A  M  148;  F(i)'o8  Am  Ind 
19;  JUiS)'o8  Am  Ind  22,  24;  Au  '13  Am  Ind  8;  '19  N  A  M  130,  324, 
334;  '20  N  A  M  109.  132  Ap(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  28;  Ap  '12  Am  Ind  7;  '13 
NAM  198-199.  133 '03  N  A  M  13,  IS.  65-66;  '97  N  A  M  53,  54,  65; 
'98  N  A  M  46-48;  Je  '20  Am  Ind  29;  '20  N  A  M  34.  i34  0(i)'o6 
Am  Ind  3.  iss  My(i)'o8  Am  Ind  18;  Ta(is)'o9  Am  Ind  16;  '08  N  A  M 
113,  128,  219;  '09  N  A  M  66;  '16  N  A  M  214;  '20  N  A  M  109.  "^  '10 
N  A  M  61;  see  also  '08  N  A  M  129;  '09  N  A  M  6.  i37 '15  NAM 
227;  '19  N  A  M  182-183,  283.  i38F(i)'o8  Am  Ind  19-20;  Ja  '10  Am 
Ind  14;  My(i5)'o9  Am  Ind  21;  F  '12  Am  Ind  14-16;  Je  '15  Am  Ind 
30 ;  '06  N  A  M  130 ;  '08  N  A  M  223,  225,  234.  i39  '08  N  A  M  13-15, 
129,  144;  '20  N  A  M  109.  1*0  Mr  '15  Am  Ind  8;  Ap  '15  Am  Ind  11;  '11 
NAM  264;  cf  '08  N  A  M  16.  141  '13  N  A  M  71.  "^  s  '19  Am  Ind 
7.  10;  O  '20  Am  Ind  25.  28-29;  '00  N  A  M  115-118;  'c8  N  A  M  115; 
Mr  '13  Am  Ind  18;  Je  '17  Am  Ind  8-9,  15 ;  '16  N  A  M  215;  '20  N  A  M 
86-106,  109.  143  F(  15) '08  Am  Ind  23.  i"'io  N  A  M  290.  i«'ii  N 
A  M  82.  i46'ii  NAM  114;  Je  '11  Am  Ind  22.  28.  "^ '08  NAM 
4-7;  '10  N  A  M  105-107,  129,  208;  II  N  A  M  70-71;  Ap  '13  Am  Ind 
16;  '14  N  A  M  58,  62,  63,  72-73,  173-174.  148  Pamphlet  itself.  i49'i3 
N  A  M  130;  '14  N  A  M  58,  62,  63,  72-73,  173-174;  '18  N  A  M  lo-ii; 
'20  N  A  M  86,  297,  300.  1"^  Business;  '19  N  A  M  106,  155,  286;  Mf  '20 
Am  Ind  13;  '20  N  A  M  85.  i»iF(i)'o7  Am  Ind  5;  Je  '12  Am  Ind  40; 
O  '13  Am  Ind  8-9;  "Bulletins";  '20  N  A  M  123-124.  1^2  n  '09  Am 
Ind  44.    1^35 (15) '07  Am  Ind  22;  N  '09  Am  Ind  10;  also  "Hearings" 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         381 

on  "  labor "  bills  before  Congressional  committees.  ^"^  '04  N  A  M 
18s;  My(i)'o8  Am  Ind  18.  ib5 '12  NAM  299;  '08  N  A  M  289-290. 
I's^Ap  '12  Am  Ind  10;  '08  N  A  M  289;  Labor  Organizations,  by  John 
Kirby,  Jr.,  24-25.  i" '07  NAM  14-15;  '09  N  A  M  58-59;  O  '13  Am 
Ind  9.  "8Au  '08  Am  Ind  26.  ^'-^'ii  NAM  127.  i«oMr(i5)'o8  Am 
Ind  18.  i«i  '12  N  A  M  148.  "2  '13  N  A  M  175.  "3  jg  '08  Sq  D  34- 
36;  My  '13  Am  Ind  12.  i«*  JI  '13  Am  Ind  7.  los  '04  N  A  M  23.  !»« '09 
NAM  256-257.  i«7  '09  N  A  M  255-256.  188  O  '13  Am  Ind  9.  "» '04 
N  A  M  198.  "°'o8  NAM  297.  i7iAu(i)'o8  Am  Ind  5;  Je(i)'o9 
Am  Ind  6;  Au  '12  Am  Ind  35  i"  '11  N  A  M  84-85 ;  Je  '11  Am  Ind  23. 
"3Je(i)'o8  Am  Ind  5-6;  S(i)'o8  Am  Ind  5;  '09  N  A  M  59;  N  '09 
Am  Ind  10;  Jl(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  5;  '08  N  A  M  184-185,  297  Au  '12  Am 
Ind  31,  35.  1''*  Platform  for  American  Industry;  Je  '20  Am  Ind  7, 
8-12  My  '20  Am  Ind  7.  8-12;  Jl  '20  Am  Ind  6,  36-38;  Au  '20  Am  Ind 
7-9 ;  '20  N  A  M  203-238,  267-276,  297 ;  O  '20  Am  Ind  43.  ^'^^  '04  N  A  M 
24;  see  also  N(i6)'o3  Am  Ind  8;  '03  N  A  M  104.  i^^  My(i)'o7  Am  Ind 
2;  see  also  '08  N  A  M  112.  i"Au(i5)'o6  Am  Ind  i;  S(i5)'o6  Am 
Ind  3.  178 '08  N  A  M  104-106,  270,  283,  328-329;  Je(i)'o8  Am  Ind  9-10; 
Jl  '08  Sq  D  75;  0(i)'o8  Am  Ind  17;  see  also  '09  N  A  M  253;  '15  N  A 
M  207;  '16  N  A  M  loi.  "9S(i5)'o6  Am  Ind  3;  '07  N  A  M  42; 
My  (i)'o8  Am  Ind  19.  ^^o '08  NAM  in,  112;  N'09  Am  Ind  19;  '09 
N  A  M  58-59.  i"Jl(  15) '08  Am  Ind  5;  see  also  31.  "20(i)'o8Am 
Ind  5,  front  cover.  i83Au(i)'o8  Am  Ind  23.  i84S(i5)'o8  Am  Ind 
17;  and  other  editorials  in  Am  Ind  Jl(i5)  to  N(i)'o8.  i^s  See  also 
My(i)'o8  Am  Ind  16;  '07  N  A  M  103;  S  '12  Am  Ind  7.  i86Au(i)'o8 
Am  Ind  5.  ^^t 'qq  NAM  226-227;  Au  '12  Am  Ind  35;  see  also  '08 
NAM  317-321.  "8ji(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  6;  My(i)'o8  Am  Ind  19. 
i89je(i)'o9  Am  Ind  11.  i^o  See  Je(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  1&-19.  i»i '14 
;N  A  M  193.  192 '10  N  A  M  99.  i93S(i5)'o6  Am  Ind  3;  D(i5)'o6 
Am  Ind  5;  '07  N  A  M  42;  Mr(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  7,  15;  Ja(i5)'o8  Am  Ind 
18;  '08  N  A  M  283,  292;  '09  N  A  M  235,  253,  256-257;  '10  N  A  M  329; 
Jl  '10  Am  Ind  10,  12;  '11  N  A  M  299;  Au  '14  Am  Ind  41 ;  '15  N  A  M 
274,  287-288.  194  S(  15) '07  Am  Ind  5;  Jl(i)'07  Am  Ind  i.  i95  Je(i5)'o8 
Am  Ind  27;  '13  N  A  M  65.  "s  N(i)'o6  Am  Ind  19.  19^  '13  NAM  65. 
198  Au  '13  Am  Ind  16  i99D(is)'o6  Am  Ind  7;  O  '12  Am  Ind  14; 
see  also  '08  N  A  M  265-266.  200  Mr  (15) '07  Am  Ind  13;  '14  N  A  M 
211;  see  also  '08  N  A  M  273,  334.  201 'u  ^  A  M  336,  349.  202 'og 
NAM  187,  201;  '07  N  A  M  242;  Mr(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  7;  Ap(i5)'o7 
Am  Ind  5;  Je(i)'o8  Am  Ind  21 ;  '08  N  A  M  334,  343;  '09  N  A  M 
229,  235  244,  253;  '10  N  A  M  306,  329,  341,  350;  '11  NAM  299;  '12 
NAM  317,  333;  '13  N  A  M  279;  Je  '15  Am  Ind  7;  My  '15  Bulletin, 
National  Metal  Trades  Associations,  8,  (Abv.  Bui  N  M  T  A)  ;  Je  '15 
Review,  N.  F.  A.  284,  (Abv.  Rev)  ;  '15  N  A  M  274,  287-288;  '17  N  A  M 
251,  254,  270;  '19  N  A  M  79,  382;  '16  N  A  M  304;  Je  '26  '17  Am  Ind 
35-37;  My  '20  Am  Ind  42.  203 'og  NAM  231,  244,  253.  204 'jg  n  a 
M   304.    206  Au    (i5)'o6  Am   Ind  11.    206'i2   N   A   M   342;   see  also 


382         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Je(is)'o8  Am  Ind  19;  '04  N  A  M  24.  ^ot '07  NAM  103;  My(i)'o8 
Am  Ind  19;  Je  '11  Am  Ind  8;  S  '12  Am  Ind  9,  29;  Au  '14  Am  Ind  7; 
N  '14  Am  Ind  9;  Jl  '10  Am  Ind  lo-ii ;  '10  N  A  M  93.  208  n  '14  Am 
Ind  II.  209  s  '12  Am  Ind  10;  O  '12  Am  Ind  15,  20;  N  '12  Am  Ind  10. 
2ioje(i)'o9  Am  Ind  11;  '09  N  A  M  38,  59;  O  '12  Am  Ind  6-8; 
Ja(i)'o9  Am  Ind  6.  2110  '09  Am  Ind  5,  10-12.  212 'jq  N  A  M  99. 
213 '15  NAM  287.  214  <io  N  A  M  134;  Mr  '13  Am  Ind  15;  Ja  '14  Am 
Ind  12-13;  Mr  '14  Am  Ind  9;  '11  NAM  85.  215  ^p  '14  Am  Ind  9-10. 
218  Je  '14  Am  Ind  7.  217 '15  NAM  229,  236.  218^(16) '03  Am  Ind 
8;  My(is)'o8  Am  Ind  18;  Au(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  25;  S  '12  Am  Ind  10;  Ja 
'is  Am  Ind  10,  32;  D'14  Am  Ind  7;  Eight  Hours  by  Act  of  Congress, 
14.  219  N  '14  Am  Ind  11;  '16  N  A  M  233,  329;  Au  '16  Am  Ind  13; 
Je(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  19;  S(i)'o8  Am  Ind  5,  6;  '10  N  A  M  5-6;  '13  N  A 
M  221 ;  '16  N  A  M  313,  329;  S  '14  Am  Ind  37,  42;  D  '19  Am  Ind  27; 
'19  N  A  M  331,  377.  220  Au  '16  Am  Ind  13,  14.  221 '16  NAM  232. 
222  N  '14  Am  Ind  12;  see  also  Au  '13  Am  Ind  11.  223  jg  'xi  Am  Ind 
7;  Ap  '15  Am  Ind  39-40.  224 '13  NAM  285.  225ja(i)'o9  Am  Ind  6. 
226  S  '13  Am  Ind  10.  227  jg  '10  Am  Ind  6.  2235  '13  Am  Ind  15. 
229 '09  NAM  245.  230 '09  NAM  111-112.  23ije(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  9; 
JI  '11  Am  Ind  9;  '10  N  A  M  289;  S  '13  Am  Ind  10;  Mr  '15  Am  Ind  7. 
232  F  'is  Am  Ind  13.  Psa  My(28)'03  Iron  Age  $•  "4jl(i)'o7  Am  Ind 
2;  My(i)'o6  Am  Ind  2;  True  Meaning  of  the  Open  Shop,  8;  '11  N  A 
M  232-233;  Au  '16  Am  Ind  9-11.  235  j^  '20  Am  Ind  24;  O  '19  Am  Ind 
10;  '04  H  I  H  691 ;  My(i)'o9  Am  Ind  S-6;  D  '12  Am  Ind  9;  '13  N  A 
M  221 ;  My  'is  Am  Ind  31.  236 '07  NAM  270;  see  also  N  '11  Am  Ind 
42;  '04  N  A  M  23;  '11  N  A  M  232-233.  237 '04  N  A  M  81.  238  p  '12 
Am  Ind  44;  see  also  '11  N  A  M  114-115;  D  '11  Am  Ind  41,  43;  Mr  '12 
Rev  37-38.  239 '13  N  A  M  189.  240Au(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  6;  jaCO'cg 
Am  Ind  6.  241  ja  'iq  Am  Ind  7.  242  5  '10  Am  Ind  17.  243  ji  '20  Am 
Ind  17-19.  244  '14  N  A  M  168.  245  '13  N  A  M  221.  246  '07  N  A  M  43. 
2*7  jl (2) '06  Am  Ind  7.  248 '14  n  A  M  199.  249 '08  N  A  M  32S.  ^^^'oS 
N  A  M  127;  N(2)'o3  Am  Ind  8;  '07  N  A  M  13;  '18  N  A  M  94;  '19  N 
A  M  198.  251 '07  NAM  13;  but  see  D  '15  Am  Ind  12-14.  252-07 
N  A  M  13.  253  Je  '11  Am  Ind  39;  see  also  20  N  A  M  124.  254  0(15) '07 
Am  Ind  5 ;  cf  '08  N  A  M  127.  255  'jq  N  A  M  98.  256  My  '15  Am  Ind 
45.  257Au(i)'o9  Am  Ind  3.  258 'jq  N  A  M  98.  259 '14  NAM  170. 
260  '16  N  A  M  lo-ii ;  N  '19  Am  Ind  9.  261  '14  N  A  M  169.  262  '14  n 
A  M  168-169.  -^^N  'n  Am  Ind  9.  204  ja  '04  Am  Ind  7;  N(i)'o6 
Am  Ind  7.  285  0(i)'o6  Am  Ind  12.  266F(i)'o8  Am  Ind  25;  see  also 
0(15) '06  Am  Ind  6.  267  Mr  '12  Am  Ind  11-12.  268  n  '12  Am  Ind  43- 
269  N  '14  Am  Ind  14.  27o'ii  N  A  M  87;  see  also  F  '11  Am  Ind  9. 
2"  '18  N  A  M  325-326.  272 '08  NAM  316.  273  Je  '20  Am  Ind  12,  see 
also  17-18;  '20  N  A  M  85,  297,  300.  274. '20  NAM  140;  O  '19  Am  Ind 
49.  275  Pamphlets  themselves.  276  ji  >„  Am  Ind  7.  277  Pamphlet  itself. 
278  Pamphlets  themselves.  27^  0(25) '20  Special  Information  Bulletin, 
Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis,  p.  2,  (Abv.  Special).    28o'o4  N 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         383 

A  M  24;  '02  S  H  H  244;  List  of  Members,  NAM.  28^  '10  N  A  M  95. 
282 'ii  N  A  M  78.  283-10  NAM  297.  28* 'II  NAM  78;  '18  N  A  M 
80.  285  'lo  N  A  M  95-96.  286  'II  N  A  M  78;  see  also  92.  287  '12  N  A  M 
61 ;  '20  N  A  M  118.  288  Ap  '12  Am  Ind  33.  289  '15  N  A  M  35.  290  Ap 
'14  Am  Ind  40.  201  Ap  '12  Am  Ind  32.  202  Ap  '13  Am  Ind  39;  My 
'13  Am  Ind  34.  293  Pamphlet  itself.  294  Mr  '11  Am  Ind  42;  pamphlet 
itself.  295  '10  N  A  M  97.  296  'lo  N  A  M  96-97.  297  '10  N  A  M  297. 
298My(i)'09  Am  Ind  6.  299 '14  n  a  M  168.  3ooMy(i)'o9  Am  Ind.  6. 
801  '03  NAM  17.  302  '07  N  A  M  45.  so^  '03  N  A  M  16-17.  «<>*  O  'n 
Am  Ind  9.  3o»  '03  N  A  M  65,  also  16.  soe  ^r  '15  Am  Ind  9.  ^"^  '10 
N  A  M  331;  S  '19  Am  Ind  14-15.  308'ii  NAM  277.  sosja  '12  Am 
Ind  7.  "OAp  '14  Am  Ind  10.  ^u  Mr  '15  Am  Ind  8.  ^12  Ap  '15  Am 
Ind  33.  »i3D(i5)'o6  Am  Ind  4.  3^*0  '19  Am  Ind  13;  D  '19  Am  Ind 
8-9.  3i5  0(i5)'07  Am  Ind  12.  3i6ja(i)'o9  Am  Ind  6.  ai^  Ap  '15 
Am  Ind  36.  sis  '14  N  A  M  168.  3i9  '14  NAM  64.  320  'ig  N  A  M 
215.  321  je  '20  Am  Ind  17;  '20  N  A  M  71,  80-84,  85,  86,  297,  300;  Je 
'20  Law  and  Labor  158.  322 '08  NAM  315.  323 '14  NAM  63-64. 
»24  Jl  '14  Am  Ind  19;  see  also  '08  N  A  M  329.  225  '20  N  A  M  48,  59; 
S  '20  Am  Ind  30;  '04  N  A  M  74,  78;  Jl  '14  Am  Ind  19;  '13  N  A  M 
188;  Ja  '12  Am  Ind  44-  326  0(15) '06  Am  Ind  10.  327 '13  n  A  M  188; 
Ap  '15  Am  Ind  14.  328 '14  N  A  M  15.  329 '„  NAM  114-115;  D  '11 
Am  Ind  43;  Jl(2)'o6  Am  Ind  io.33o  S(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  13-14;  JUi)'09 
Am  Ind  12;  F  '10  Am  Ind  27;  '11  N  A  M  230-231;  '14  N  A  M  39-40; 
Ap  '15  Am  Ind  27;  '15  NAM  254-264;  '16  N  A  M  49-50,  106;  '18 
NAM  68-69;  Ja  '20  Am  Ind  31.  33i  d  '20  Am  Ind  30;  S  '11  Am  Ind 
25-27;  Mr  '14  Am  Ind  11;  '14  N  A  M  130-131 ;  '15  N  A  M  254-264; 
My  '20  Am  Ind  5;  Je  '20  Am  Ind  7-8,  13,  31-32,  34;  Jl  '20  Am  Ind  44; 
Au  '20  Am  Ind  9-1 1,  12,  19-20;  '18  N  A  M  68.  70,  71 ;  '20  N  A  M  70- 
71,  298;  S  '20  Am  Ind  21-22.  332  j)  'og  Am  Ind  59;  F  '10  Am  Ind  6; 
Ap  '10  Am  Ind  7;  F  '11  Am  Ind  8,  21,  34;  Ja  '12  Am  Ind  17-19;  F  '12 
Am  Ind  10-12;  Au  '16  Am  Ind  15,  see  also  8,  12;  D  '20  Am  Ind  30. 
'33  Au  '12  Am  Ind  12;  My  '15  Am  Ind  13-14;  Open  Shop  News  Service, 
No.  2,  (Abv.  Service).  3345  '10  Am  Ind  19.  335je(i)'o7  Am  Ind  2. 
836ja(i5)'o8  Am  Ind  26;  Au(i5)'o9  Am  Ind  19.  337  Pamphjet  jtself; 
Jl  '12  Am  Ind  12-17;  Au  '12  Am  Ind  7-11;  S  '12  Am  Ind  11-15;  O  '12 
Am  Ind  22-27 ;  F  '13  Am  Ind  15 ;  see  also  Je  '20  Am  Ind  7-8 ;  Jl  '20  Am 
Ind  40-44.  338  '04  N  A  M  80,  82 ;  '20  N  A  M  48,  59 ;  '11  N  A  M  83.  339  d 
'11  Am  Ind  43;  '04  N  A  M  82;  Ja(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  n.  340  My  '15  Am 
Ind  12.  341  0(15) '07  Am  Ind  12;  Au(i)'09  Am  Ind  22.  342ji(i6)'o6 
Am  Ind  10;  '13  N  A  M  45-55;  Je  '14  Am  Ind  7;  '04  N  A  M  81-82; 
D(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  42;  Ja(i)'o8  Am  Ind  lo-ii ;  Ap  '15  Am  Ind  27;  Je  '17 
Am  Ind  11.  34s  12  N  A  M  260.  344ja(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  19;  N  '09  Am 
Ind  19 ;  Ap  '12  Am  Ind  18-19 ;  N  '20  Am  Ind  25 ;  '13  N  A  M  188 ;  My  '13 
Am  Ind  16-17;  F  '11  Am  Ind  7-8;  O  '12  Am  Ind  13;  D  '19  Am  Ind 
24;  Ja  '20  Am  Ind  31 ;  '18  N  A  M  22-23,  54;  '^5  N  A  M  47;  '03  NAM, 
throughout,  etc.     345  ja  '10  Am  Ind  7.    '"Ap(i)'o9  Am  Ind  16-17;  F 


.384         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

'20  Am  Ind  1^27.  3*7  jg  'n  Am  Ind  7-8;  also  O  '11  Am  Ind  9.  3*8  Q 
'12  Am  Ind  13.  3*9  '14  N  A  M  168.  35o  '18  N  A  M  43;  '19  N  A  M  15- 
24.  351  o  '19  Am  Ind  10;  Mr  '20  Am  Ind  7 ;  D  '19  Am  Ind  7.  352  '20  N  A 
M  71,  8s,  297,  300.  353 '18  N  A  M  215;  '19  N  A  M  109,  285;  O  '19  Am 
Ind  16-17.  354 '18  NAM  22-23,  34.  54;  '19  N  A  M  109.  355  q  '19 
Am  Ind  yS.  356  My  '20  Am  Ind  19;  N  '19  Am  Ind  22-24;  N  '20  Am 
Ind  25.  367  '16  N  A  M  228,  cf  229.  sss  'ig  NAM  108-109,  282.  359  'jg 
NAM  25-26,  137-138,  149,  183,  185-188.  360 '18  NAM  44-45;  '19  N 
A  M  15.  36iji(2)'o6  Am  Ind  10;  see  also  Mr  '20  Am  Ind  10-11. 
362 '08  NAM  329.  363 '07  NAM  249-267.  364 '16  N  A  M  4-9 ;  scc 
also  Am  Ind  Ja  '13  to  1918.  365 'j2  N  A  M  51 ;  O  '14  Am  Ind  24: 
My  '15  Am  Ind  24-25;  '16  N  A  M  299;  '18  N  A  M  11-13;  '19  N  A  M 
26.  366  D  'II  Am  Ind  41;  O  '14  Am  Ind  26  367  jj  '„  Am  Ind  12-17; 
S  '11  Am  Ind  10-20;  My  '13  Am  Ind  24-25;  Ja  '14  Am  Ind  24-26; 
S  '14  Am  Ind  24-25;  O  '14  Am  Ind  24-26;  N  '14  Am  Ind  24-25.  368  j^ 
'13  Preventive  Appliances  i ;  see  also  '16  N  A  M  214.  389  Preventive 
Appliances,  various  issues,  e.g.,  Ja  '13,  N  '13.  370'i2  NAM  5iff; 
Ja  '14  Am  Ind  24;  '16  N  A  M  5-9.  37i  Booklet  itself.  372  '19  N  A  M 
44-51,  107.  373 '18  NAM  50-54.  374 '18  N  A  M  43,  50-56,  198-200. 
375  D  '19  Am  Ind  18;  O  '20  Am  Ind  22-23.  376 '20  N  A  M  86,  297, 
300;  S  *20  Am  Ind  9.  377  ind  Rel  725.  378 '16  NAM  38-39.  379 '16 
N  A  M  294.  380 '18  NAM  79-80,  211.  381 '18  NAM  213.  882 'ig 
N  A  M  214.  383'i8NAM2i6  384 '18  n  A  M  80,  211.  385'i8nA 
M  80-81,  211-212.  386 'ig  NAM  135.  387  Mr  '20  Am  Ind  7.  388 '20 
N  A  M  127;  see  also  My  '20  Am  Ind  42.  389 '20  NAM  300. 
390Au(i)'o6  Am  Ind  2;  '06  U  T  A  39.  39i'o6  U  T  A  32-39,  103-108. 
392  Printed  addresses.  393  Ap  '11  Am  Ind  44.  394  ji  'n  Am  Ind  21. 
395  Mr  '11  Am  Ind  26.  see  Mr  'ii  Am  Ind  42.  397  ji  '12  Am  Ind  35. 
398  Pamphlet  itself.  399  ja  '13  Am  Ind  43.  ^o"  S  '12  Am  Ind  27.  *°^  '12 
NAM  327.  402 '10  N  A  M  288.  «3'io  NAM  288-289.  *°*  Ja  'n 
Am  Ind  44;  'n  NAM  92.  «>5  ja  'n  Am  Ind  44.  *06  »„  NAM  25off, 
*07J1  'II  Am  Ind  36.  408  Mr  '11  Am  Ind  42.  ^o^  D  '11  Am  Ind  41. 
"0  S  '08  Sq  D  34-41.  *"  Ap  '12  Bui  N  M  T  A  6  *i2  Mr  '14  Am  Ind 
41.  *i3  Ap  13  Am  Ind  39.  *"  JI  '13  Am  Ind  47.  *!»  d  '13  Am  Ind  38- 
39.  *i6Ja  '15  Am  Ind  43.  *i'' Ja  '15  Am  Ind  44;  F  '15  Am  Ind  41. 
*i8  F  '15  Am  Ind  14;  Mr  '15  Am  Ind  41.  *!»  Pamphlet  itself.  420  q  '19 
Am  Ind  18-20.  *2i  Printed  address.  ^22  Educational  Literature,  see  title 
pages,  (Abv.  Ed  Lit)  ;  Ja  '13  Am  Ind  44;  Mr  '12  Am  Ind  40;  D  '14 
Am  Ind  44;  Ap  '14  Am  Ind  43;  D  '11  Am  Ind  41 ;  Ap  '11  Am  Ind  44; 
'13  N  A  M  132;  Ap  '12  Am  Ind  34;  '18  NAM  15-16,  101-103;  '19  N  A 
M  196-197.  423 '10  N  A  M  281;  'II  N  A  M  159;  Ed  Lit;  S(i)'o7  Am 
Ind  13-14;  Au  '10  Am  Ind  20-22;  D  '14  Am  Ind  39;  F  '15  Am  Ind  10; 
'09  N  A  M  104;  '12  N  A  M  33,  234;  '05  N  A  M  69;  '13  N  A  M  17,  132; 
'16  NAM,  throughout;  '18  N  A  M  250;  O  '20  Am  Ind  10-12,  see  also 
9-10.  *24'io  N  A  M  134;  '15  N  A  M  172;  Je  '15  Am  Ind  30.  *25 '04 
NAM  235.    426 '06  N  A  M  178;  'II  N  A  M  67;  Facts  vs  Platitudes 


The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers         385 

and  Sophistry  29;  Open  vs  Closed  Shop  12-13;  Ja  '10  Bui  N  M  T  A  6. 
«7Je'ii  Am  Iiid28; 'II  N  A  M  116.  "s '20  N  A  M  297.  •*28ji(i5)'o4 
Am  Ind  2.  <3"J'io  NAM  134.  ♦^i  '12  N  A  M  93-94;  see  also  '11  N  A 
M  73-74,  81,  85-86;  '10  N  A  M  107;  '13  N  A  M  193.  «2 'iq  NAM 
300.  "3D  '15  Am  Ind  15.  «*Je(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  8.  "^  JI'm  Am  Ind 
ID.  «8My  '15  Am  Ind  43;  '16  N  A  M  316.  "7  0(i)'o6  Am  Ind  9; 
Mr  '14  Am  Ind  13 ;  '08  N  A  M  289;  see  also  '02  U  T  A  176-180. 
■*88  Ssmopsis  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Convention  of  the 
National  Metal  Trades  Association,  1912,  p.  26;  '12  S  H  H  271. 
*39Au(i5)'o6  Am  Ind  10.  <*oD(ii)'2D  Special  Letter,  A.  E.  I;  see 
also  D  '20  The  Employer  26;  Special  2.  **^  Service  No.  2;  D  '20  Am 
Ind  22-23;  O  '20  Am  Ind  26-28;  see  also  D  '20  The  Employer  19. 
**-0  '20  Am  Ind  7-12.  *"'i9  NAM  377.  <**  Attitude;  '13  N  A  M 
198;  see  also  Ind  Rel  729,  731,  745.  **'  '09  N  A  M  112;  '11  N  A  M  67. 
"«My(i)'o6  Am  Ind  S.  **7  Je '11  Am  Ind  40;  '14  N  A  M  87.  **»'i3 
N  A  M  38.  «»  Ja  '12  Am  Ind  11.  ««'io  NAM  288-289.  *»!  S  '07 
Sq  D  23.  *^2  Ja  '11  Am  Ind  41.  "^^s  Au  '19  Am  Ind  12-13.  *^*'i2  N  A 
M  42-43.  ^'^'^Au  '14  Am  Ind  44,  46;  see  also  Au(i)'o6  Am  Ind  6. 
<86ja(i5)'o7  Am  Ind  14;  Je(i)'o7  Am  Ind  23.  *=7 '04  NAM  239. 
458  F  '15  Am  Ind  43.  *=»  My  '07  Open  Shop  225.  "o '07  E  A  Dayton; 
'04  H  I  H  679.  "1  My  '07  Open  Shop  225.  "2  Je  '08  Sq  D  35,  and 
statement  facing  p.  i.  *63  jg  'j^  Am  Ind  32.  *«*  D  '20  Am  Ind  20; 
See  also  '12  S  H  H  121 ;  '12  S  T  H  530,  1171 ;  '09  N  A  M  231-232;  Ind 
Rel  724,  10758,  10815;  '19  N  A  M  145;  List  of  Associations  Represented 
by  James  A.  Emery.  *65  Bulletin  No.  i  of  the  Citizens'  Industrial  Asso- 
ciation of  America  2-1 1,  15-16;  also  Proceedings  of  the  same;  '04  N  A 
M  26-27,  201-202 ;  Fourteenth  Annual  Meeting  and  Dinner,  Indianapolis 
Branch,  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  <««  '04  N  A  M  25,  118-119, 
122,  129;  F(i)'o7  Am  Ind  15;  '07  N  A  M  43-44;  Je(i)'o7  Am  Ind  11; 
'14  N  A  M  59;  '16  NAM  78-79,  215;  D(ii)'20  Special  Letter  A.  E.  L 
*"  '16  NAM  106,  112,  119,  124,  131,  136,  140,  144,  153,  164,  207,  251,  258, 
264,  278,  283,  285,  289;  see  also  102,  105,  116,  167,  168,  216,  224-226,  245, 
298.  <88  '14  N  A  M  7,  8c;  Ap  '15  Preventive  Appliances.  *^^  Au  '16  Am 
Ind  27.  *70N(26)'2o  Letter,  National  Industrial  Conference  Board; 
Booklet,  same,  Ap  '17;  '20  N  A  M  133,  140.  *"  '13  NAM  81.  *"  '16  N 
A  M  216;  '20  N  A  M  131.  <73'oQ  NAM  231,  232;  see  also  '10  N  A  M 
287.  •'^iS  L  H  2736-37.  *"  Const  N  C  I  D.  "^s  d  >2o  Am  Ind  20; 
D  '19  Am  Ind  31.  ^tt  Const  N  C  I  D.  ■*"  D  '19  Am  Ind  31 ;  D  '20  Am 
Ind  20 :  Const  N  C  I  D.  ♦"  Const  N  C  I  D.  "so  Const  N  C  I  D. 
*8i '08  NAM  107-108,  295-298;  Ja  '09  Sq  D  1-2;  D  '20  Am  Ind  19. 
<82  D  '19  Am  Ind  31.    *83  Const  N  CI  D.    «<  d  '20  Am  Ind  20. 


CHAPTER  XI 
THE  NATIONAL  CIVIC  FEDERATION 

The  National  Civic  Federation  is  unique  among  the  im- 
portant associations.  As  a  permanent  organization,  it  is  the 
only  one  of  its  kind  in  America,  if  not  in  the  vvorld.^ 
Aside  from  its  propaganda  activities,  the  only  associations 
that  it  typifies  are  the  temporary,  informal,  mediatory  so- 
called  "  citizens'  committees,"  gathered  together  to  avert 
a  serious  strike.  In  fact,  it  is  itself  largely  informal,  since 
it  has  only  a  very  brief  set  of  by-laws  in  typewritten  forrn, 
which  were  adopted  in  1 910.  It  has,  accordingly,  few  for- 
mal rules.^  In  structure,  purpose  and  activities,  it  is  quite 
distinct  from  the  organizations  previously  studied.  For 
instance,  its  membership  is  conglomerate,  its  purpose  medi- 
atory, and  its  activities  friendly  to  the  American  Federa- 
tin  of  Labor. 

Membership. —  It  has  enrolled  about  5000  members.' 
These  members  belong  to  three  general  classes,  namely,  large 
employers,  labor-union  ofificials,  and  individuals  more  or 
less  prominent  in  American  life,  selected  to  represent  the 
general  public, —  hence  its  membership  may  well  be  charac- 
terized as  conglomerate.  Like  its  members,  its  officers  be- 
long to  three  classes,  but  in  the  main,  leaders  of  other  em- 
ployers' associations  and  labor-union  officials  are  most  in 
evidence.  At  various  times,  the  membership  relations  have 
been  further  complicated  by  the  formation  of  branches  in  the 
larger  cities  of  the  country,  and  by  the  organization  of  state 
councils  for  legislative  activities.^  Furthermore,  it  has 
made  attempts  to  have  district  organizations  covering  a 

386 


The  National  Civic  Federation  387 

number  of  states.     The  New  York  and  New  Jersey  Branch 
has  been  the  most  prominent  of  these  sub-organizations. 

Government. —  It  is  governed  largely  by  an  Executive 
Council,  of  which  Mr,  Ralph  M.  Easley  —  the  founder  of 
the  Federation  —  is  Chairman.  This  Council  has  full  direc- 
tion of  the  affairs  of  the  Federation,  between  meetings  of 
its  Executive  Committee.^  The  members  of  the  Execu- 
tive Council  are  the  staff  officers,  and  they  are  also  members 
of  the  Executive  Committee,  which  consists  of  48  more 
members  than  the  Executive  Council.  The  staff  officers  are 
the  President,  the  Vice-Presidents,  the  Secretary,  the  Treas- 
urer, the  Chairman,  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Executive 
Council,  and  the  Chairmen  of  the  main  departments  of  the 
Federation.^  These  officers  have  been  or  may  be  elected 
in  three  ways;  (i)  by  the  delegates  at  the  annual  meeting 
adopting  en  bloc  the  report  of  a  nomination  committee  ap- 
pointed by  the  President,  (2)  by  the  choice  of  the  members 
of  the  Executive  Committee  at  the  annual  meeting,  (3)  by 
the  members  of  the  Executive  Council  selecting  the  Presi- 
dent and  Vice-Presidents.'^  It  seems  any  of  these  methods 
would  leave  the  affairs  of  the  Federation  in  the  hands  of  a 
few  men.  For,  although  the  work  of  the  Federation,  to  a 
great  extent,  is  nominally  performed  by  committees  and 
councils  of  the  various  departments,  its  policy  and  affairs 
are  dominated  by  the  Executive  Committee,®  which  is  con- 
trolled by  the  Executive  Council.®  The  dominant  spirit  of 
the  Federation  is  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Council  — 
Mr.  Easley,^"  who  has  held  that  position  since  1904,"  yet 
who  has  modestly  denied  before  a  congressional  committee 
that  he  spoke  for  the  Federation. ^^  Of  course,  there  is  a 
strong  outside  controlling  force  —  the  financial  —  for  the 
extent  of  any  of  the  activities  is  determined  by  the  volun- 
tary subscription  of  funds  for  carrying  them  out,  since  the 
Federation  has  no  other  sources  of  revenue,  not  even  from 
regular-dues-paying  members. ^^ 


388  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  The  Executive  Committee  of  the  Federation  [outside 
of  the  Executive  Council]  is  made  up  of  ec|ual  numbers  of 
employers  of  labor,  of  the  representatives  of  organized 
labor,  and  of  men  .  .  .  chosen  from  the  general  public,  who 
are  not  directly  related  to  the  labor  question,  either  as  em- 
ployers or  employees,  but  who  represent  that  large  body  of 
the  American  people  who  are  directly,  and  always  indirectly 
affected  by  the  relations  existing  at  any  given  moment  be- 
tween employers  and  the  employees,"  ^*  "  .  .  .  the  great 
public  upon  which  both  employers  and  their  employees 
live."  ^^  The  representation  is  confined  to  men  of  promi- 
nence, noted  financiers,  politicians  and  clergymen,  large 
manufacturers  and  national  labor  leaders :  "Its  National 
Executive  Committee  is  constituted  of  three  factors:  the 
general  public,  represented  by  the  church,  the  bar,  the  press, 
statesmanship,  and  finance ;  employers,  represented  by  large 
manufacturers  and  the  heads  of  great  corporations,  and  em- 
ployers' organizations;  and  labor,  represented  by  the  prin- 
cipal officials  of  national  and  international  organizations  of 
wage-earners  in  every  important  industry."  ^^  "  The  ob- 
ject of  bringing  these  different  elements  together  is  the  very 
simple  one  of  making  them  acquainted  with  each  other."  ^^ 
The  number  of  the  members  of  the  Executive  Committee 
seems  to  vary  from  time  to  time  according  to  present  or  pro- 
posed activities.^  ^  The  other  committees  of  the  depart- 
ments are  fashioned  after  the  Executive  Committee  ^^  with 
two  exceptions,  those  of  the  Employers'  Welfare  Depart- 
ment and  the  Women's  Welfare  Department,^^  which  have 
no  representatives  of  organized  labor  or  of  the  general  pub- 
lic upon  them.2^  The  Federation  also  had  an  Advisory 
Council,  appointed  in  1908,  of  254  members,  capitalists, 
labor  leaders,  prominent  educators,  lawyers,  editors,  and 
others.^^  Rarely  is  reference  made  to  this  Council.  In 
1908,  a  list  of  names  of  the  Councilors  was  given,  and  in 
1914,  letters  from  some  of  the  Councilors  were  published 


The  National  Civic  Federation  389 

ss  endorsements  of  the  Federation's  projected  social  sur- 
vey.^^  The  Executive  Committee  seems  to  perform  all  its 
functions  with  very  little  advice  from  this  Council. 

The  Purpose  of  the  N.  C.  F.  has  been  variously  stated.^* 
The  most  general  one  is : 

"  To  organize  the  best  brains  of  the  nation  in  an  educational 
movement  seeking  the  solution  of  some  Of  the  great  problems 
related  to  social  and  industrial  progress ;  to  provide  for  study 
and  discussion  of  questions  of  national  import;  to  aid  thus  in 
the  crystallization  of  the  most  enlightened  public  opinion ;  and, 
when  desirable,  to  promote  legislation  in  accordance  there- 
with." 25 

In  labor  matters  —  for  it  does  not  now  limit  its  activities 
to  the  labor  field  —  its  purpose  is  shown  by  the  adoption  by 
an  Industrial  Committee,  appointed  in  1901,  of  the  follow- 
ing "  Statement  of  Purpose  "  : 

"  The  scope  and  province  of  this  Department  shall  be  to  do 
what  may  seem  the  best  to  promote  industrial  peace  and  pros- 
perity; to  be  helpful  in  establishing  rightful  relations  between 
employers  and  workers;  by  its  good  offices  to  endeavor  to 
obviate  and  prevent  strikes  and  lockouts,  to  aid  in  renewing 
industrial  relations  where  a  rupture  has  occurred. 

"  That  at  all  times  representatives  of  employers  and  workers, 
organized  or  unorganized,  should  confer  for  the  adjustment 
of  differences  or  disputes  before  an  acute  stage  is  reached,  and 
thus  avoid  or  minimize  the  number  of  strikes  or  lockouts. 

"  That  mutual  agreements  as  to  conditions  under  which  labor 
shall  be  performed  should  be  encouraged,  and  that  when  agree- 
ments are  made,  the  terms  thereof  should  be  faithfully  adhered 
to,  both  in  letter  and  spirit,  by  both  parties. 

"  This  Department,  either  as  a  whole  or  sub-committee  by  it 
appointed,  shall,  when  requested  by  both  parties  to  a  dispute,  act 
as  a  forum  to  adjust  and  decide  upon  questions  at  issue  between 
workers  and  their  employers,  providing  in  its  opinion  the  sub- 
ject is  one  of  sufficient  importance. 

"  This  Department  will  not  consider  abstract  industrial  prob- 
lems. 


390         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  This  Department  assumes  no  powers  of  arbitration  unless 
such  powers  be  conferred  by  both  parties  to  a  dispute."  ^' 

Theories. —  A  clearer  view  of  the  attitude  of  the  Feder- 
ation may  be  obtained  from  statements  of  its  theory  of  its 
own  membership,  of  its  policy,  of  the  responsibility  of 
capital,  and  of  the  cause  and  solution  of  discord  between 
employers  and  their  employees.  Let  us  note  some  of  the 
most  important  statements  of  the  Federation  leaders  on 
these  points. 

Former  President  Low  said, 

"  The  National  Civic  Federation  diflfers  from  most  organiza- 
tions in  one  vital  characteristic.  Most  organizations  have  a 
membership  that  believes  not  only  in  the  common  object,  but 
which  has  similar  interests.  The  National  Civic  Federation  has 
a  membership  with  a  common  object  certainly,  but  with  very 
diiferent  interests,  and  that  is  why  it  can  speak  with  such  a 
unique  voice  on  many  of  the  great  questions  with  which  it  con- 
cerns itself. 

"  We  all  believe  in  industrial  peace  and  industrial  progress. 
.  .  .  We  all  agree  on  the  general  principles,  but  we  do  not  al- 
ways agree  on  the  application  of  them,  because  it  is  clear  that 
in  every  industrial  and  commercial  enterprise  there  are  three 
parties  concerned  —  the  employers,  the  workmen  and  the  pub- 
lic ;  and  in  these  days  of  vast  enterprises,  dominated  everywhere 
and  always  by  the  spirit  of  organization,  it  is  easy  to  under- 
stand how  it  is  that  each  one  of  these  parties  is  able  to  perceive 
its  own  interests  a  little  more  clearly  than  it  can  perceive  the 
interests  of  others.  But  the  National  Civic  Federation,  by 
uniting  in  its  membership  representatives  of  all  these  parties,  is 
in  a  position  to  do  ...  a  kind  of  service  that  no  other  organ- 
ization in  the  country  is  capable  of  doing,  for  it  brings  together 
for  mutual  discussion  men  of  these  different  interests,  so  that 
each  is  able  to  see  and  to  recognize  the  other's  point  of  view."  " 

"  It  sometimes  happens  in  the  Civic  Federation  that  there 
arises  a  difference  of  opinion  upon  political  questions  and 
upon  questions  involving  great  measures  of  public  policy.  .  .  . 
But  in  the  Federation  we  do  not  break  apart  because  of  such 


The  National  Civic  Federation  391 

differences ;  we  rather  agree  to  disagree  where  we  must,  in  the 
full  belief  that  just  because  of  our  differences  our  influence 
is  all  the  greater  as  to  the  things  upon  which  we  can  agree, 
when  we  do  agree."  ^* 

Accordingly,  it  wishes  to  bring  about  an  understanding 
between  employers  and  their  employees,  so  that  when  dif- 
ferences arise,  their  attitude  will  be  "  Let's  talk  it  over," 
where  formerly  it  was :  "  Let's  fight  it  out."  ^®  Its  labor 
policy  is  definite. 

"  This  body  stands,  first  of  all,  for  industrial  conciliation  and 
arbitration.  It  fosters  the  idea  of  the  best  possible  relations 
between  capital  and  labor.  Through  peaceful  agencies,  it  be- 
lieves, can  be  prevented  many  of  the  unfortunate  conflicts 
whose  strikes  and  lockouts  harass  alike  worker,  employer  and 
general  public.  The  Civic  Federation  upholds  and  sedulously 
encourages  the  principle  of  collective  bargaining,  which  means 
that  organizations  of  employers  and  organizations  of  working- 
men  shall  get  together  and  work  out  mutual  contracts  in  refer- 
ence to  wages,  hours  and  conditions  of  employment."  ^° 

So  we  may  expect  the  Federation  to  favor  the  forma- 
tion of  labor  unions ;  in  fact,  it  interprets  their  selfishness  as 
justifiable : 

"If  in  seeking  their  own  welfare  trades  unions  appear  to  be 
selfish  that  should  not  be  a  reproach.  It  is  not  so  long  ago 
that  am  enlightened  self-interest  was  held  up  as  the  cardinal 
motive  of  all  economic  activity,  and  if  in  these  later  days  we 
have  avoided  seemingly  harsh  terms  we  surely  have  not  changed 
the  nature  of  the  forces  at  work  around  us.  The  motive 
power  of  our  industrial  organization  has  not  changed.  It  is 
behind  all  the  forces  that  go  to  make  up  our  complex  society. 
We  do  not  make  it  a  reproach  that  banks  and  corporations  and 
trusts  and  railways  seek  to  influence  legislation,  to  mold  pub- 
lic opinion  or  to  favor  one  political  party  or  the  other  in  the 
pursuit  of  their  own  ends.  We  expect  it  and  accept  it  as  a 
fact.  .  .  . 

"  Capital  is  an  abstraction,  labor  a  living  fact.     The  welfare 


392  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

of  the  great  masses  of  humanity  lies  behind  the  latter  term. 
And  we  cannot  help  but  feel  that  such  selfishness  as  may  be 
exhibited  in  the  effort  to  ameliorate  the  lot  of  the  average  man 
should  not  be  judged  by  the  same  standard  as  that  which  im- 
pels the  action  of  the  employer."  ^^ 

And  from  this  we  may  infer  that  the  employer  is  under 
certain  obligations  to  his  employees  for  their  welfare,  and 
this  inference  is  borne  out  by  official  statements,  such  as 
the  following:  President  Low,  in  speaking  of  the  89,000 
stockholders  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  said, 

"  No  one  contends  that  these  people  organize  into  a  com- 
pany in  order  to  fight  labor.  They  organize  because  they  have 
to  in  order  to  work  together,  and,  as  a  result  of  organizing, 
they  are  represented  in  every  use  made  of  their  capital  by  their 
officers.  Can  any  one  seriously  contend  that  these  89,000  stock- 
holders, speaking  through  their  officers,  are  justified  in  saying 
to  their  160,000  employees,  '  We  insist  upon  dealing  with  you, 
man  by  man ;  we  will  not  recognize  your  organization.'  Is  it 
not  rather  clear,  that  the  160,000  employees,  so  far  as  their 
interests  are  common,  must  unite  if  they  are  to  have  anything 
at  all  to  say  as  to  the  conditions  upon  which  they  will  work  and 
if  they  unite,  they  must  have  an  organization  and  they  must 
be  represented  by  their  officers  ?  "  ^^ 

An  editorial  in  the  A^.  C.  F.  Review,  the  official  publica- 
tion of  the  Federation,  states : 

"  A  decent  wholesome  environment  for  the  worker  has  come, 
in  this  progressive  age,  to  be  a  part  of  the  social  and  civic  obliga- 
tion of  the  modern  employer. 

"  The  frank  recognition  of  this  obligation  on  part  of  em- 
ployers generally,  whether  manager,  directors  or  stockholders, 
not  only  restores  a  large  measure  of  the  old  personal  contact 
which  was  the  best  feature  of  the  earlier  industrial  systems  — 
unfortunately  lost  sight  of  too  often  in  the  tremendous  growth 
of  commercial  enterprises  —  but  it  goes  far  to  remove  the  es- 
trangement and  want  of  sympathy  out  of  which  so  much  social 
prejudice,   distrust  and  class   feeling  have  grown.     There  is. 


The  National  Civic  Federation  393 

perhaps,  no  better  antidote  for  radical  attacks  upon  present 
institutions  than  intelligent,  genuine  and  wisely  directed  wel- 
fare work."  ^^ 

Finally,  we  note  that  "  It  is  the  expressed  object  of  the 
Federation  to  organize  into  effective  working  groups  the 
varied  interests  which  are  concerned  in  social  welfare."  ^* 
But  "  capital  must  find  adequate  returns  for  its  investment 
if  wages  are  to  be  fair  and  discontent  is  to  be  averted."  '' 
Capital  must  be  conserved  and  discontent  threatens  it : 

"  The  prevention  of  industrial  revolution  threatened  by  ex- 
tremists and  the  promotion  of  industrial  peace,  are  the  reasons 
for  the  existence  of  the  National  Civic  Federation.  ...  It  is 
the  only  organization  that  aims  to  bring  together  the  three  great 
interested  forces  of  capital,  labor  and  the  general  public  to  work 
out  industrial  problems  through  evolutionary,  rather  than  revo- 
lutionary processes.  .  .  . 

"  The  entire  movement  represented  by  the  National  Civic 
Federation  aims  to  bring  into  co-operation  the  sane  and  pa- 
triotic leaders  of  the  forces  of  employers  and  employed,  and  of 
the  interested  but  too  often  forgotten  and  forgetting  third  party, 
the  general  public.  Its  purpose  is  constructive,  not  destruc- 
tive. It  would  develop,  through  the  agencies  here  described, 
the  best  elements  in  the  organizations  of  capital  and  of  labor, 
and  it  would  keep  awake  a  wholesome  public  concern  in  the 
profit  of  one,  the  welfare  of  the  other,  and  the  prosperity  of 
all,  through  the  diffusion  of  an  intelligent  understanding  of 
economic  laws.  It  would  show  that  organized  labor  cannot 
be  destroyed  without  the  debasement  of  the  masses.  It  would 
show  that  organized  labor  can  be  led  to  correct  its  errors.  It 
would  show  that  capital  can  be  taught  the  practicability  of 
securing  industrial  peace  in  accordance  with  business  methods. 
It  would  show  that  the  twin  foes  of  industrial  peace  are  the 
anti-union  employers  and  the  socialists,  and  that  the  former 
are  unconsciously  promoting  that  class  hatred  which  the  lat- 
ter boldly  advocates.  It  would  present  a  hopeful  picture  of 
future  harmony  between  capital  and  labor,  based  upon  the 
establishment  of  their  rightful  relations,  instead  of  the  pessi- 


394         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

mistic  prophecy  of  the  degradation  of  labor  because  of  its  ex- 
ceptional and  inexcusable  errors  or  crimes,  or  of  a  social 
revolution  provoked  by  capital  when  organized  for  op- 
pression." ^** 

The  Fedferation  holds  that  the  chief  cause  of  discord  be- 
tween employers  and  their  employees  is  that  they  "  have  not 
sufficiently  been  brought  together,  have  not  sufficiently 
looked  into  the  faces  of  one  another,  drunk  in  the  ideas  of 
one  another,  and  felt  the  warmth  of  the  hands  and  hearts 
cf  one  another."  ^'^  The  extremists  cannot  then  stir  up  dis- 
cord between  employers  and  employees  who  have  thus  been 
brought  together;  and  so  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  annual 
meetings,  annual  dinners,  committees,  and  conferences  to 
bring  together  the  employers  and  the  employed. 

"  The  Civic  Federation,  in  its  public  meetings,  brings  the 
large  employers,  the  great  labor  leaders  and  the  representatives 
of  the  public  together.  The  anti-union  employer  cannot  abide 
the  spectacle  of  large  employers  taking  into  consideration  and 
consultation  union  labor  men,  while  the  Socialists  are  opposed 
to  such  public  recognition  of  organized  labor  on  the  part  of 
capital  because  it  is  fatal  to  their  class  hatred  propaganda.  .  .  . 

"  To  sum  up,  the  union-smashing  employers'  association  and 
the  Socialists  alike  hate  The  National  Civic  Federation  because 
it  has  brought  together  organized  employers  and  organized 
workers,  and,  in  helping  them  to  see  and  appreciate  their  com- 
mon interests  has  produced  better  relations.  In  so  doing,  it  has 
rebuked,  on  the  one  hand,  the  gross  brutality  of  those  who  re- 
fuse to  acknowledge  that  the  workers'  unions  have  any  right 
to  consideration,  and  on  the  other,  it  has  crushed  the  Socialist 
theory  that  all  employers  are  greedy  tyrants  and  taskmasters 
who  cannot  be  trusted  to  be  fair,  nor  to  be  treated  with,  but 
who  must  be  wiped  off  the  earth  with  all  their  possessions  and 
with  the  whole  industrial  system  in  its  present  development."  ^* 

"  The  annual  dinner  of  the  National  Civic  Federation  is 
an  occasion  whose  opportunities  lift  commercial,  political  and 
economic  questions  to  a  broadly  human  and  social  plane. 
There  the  labor  leaders,  the  financial  and  industrial  captains, 


The  National  Civic  Federation  395 

the  political  magnates  and  the  university  dons  and  doctrinaires 
meet  in  friendly  spirit  at  the  common  table.  Aloof  from  the 
heat  and  clamor  of  the  daily  struggle  and  grind  after  a  season 
of  debate  and  discussion  from  opposing  sides  during  the  pre- 
ceding meetings,  the  dinner  guests  take  counsel  together  and 
with  friendly  voice  talk  over  the  issues  in  which  they  are  in- 
terested." «« 

It  was  said  of  the  Executive  Committee  that: 

"  These  men  are  from  every  walk  of  life,  and  of  the  most 
varied  and  contrasting  experience.  In  no  country  but  the 
United  States  could  be  found,  working  on  one  board,  such  a 
group  as  this,  where  the  Chief  Executive  of  the  Nation,  his 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  a  United  States  Senator  are 
uniting  forces  with  chiefs  of  finance  and  leaders  of  labor, 
churchmen  and  legal  lights,  manufacturers,  railway  magnates 
and  university  presidents  and  scholars.  It  should  be  a  good 
lesson  in  patriotism,  this  picture  of  men  who  are  working  to- 
gether for  the  best  interests  of  their  people  and  of  their  coun- 
try." "« 

The  Federation  plans  to  restore  personal  relations  be- 
tween employer  and  employee. 

"  As  manufacturing  establishments  grow  and  finally  or- 
ganize and  then  become  parts  of  other  organizations,  the  direct 
personal  touch  between  employer  and  employees  is  gradually 
diminished.  Misunderstandings  are  more  likely  to  arise  when 
the  personal  element  is  removed.  The  only  solution  of  the  labor 
problem  then  lies  in  the  '  round  table.'  The  horns  of  the  labor 
leader  and  the  hoofs  of  the  trust  magnate  soon  disappear  when 
labor  and  capital  meet  in  a  friendly  discussion  of  the  situation. 
Each  one  should  try  to  put  himself  in  the  place  of  the  other. 
It  is  usually  discovered  after  threshing  out  the  situation  that 
they  are  not  so  far  apart  as  had  been  expected,  on  the  various 
questions  discussed."  *^ 

Of  all  these  various  meetings,  the  theory  is  the  same  as 
was  said  of  the  annual  meeting  in  1912, 


396  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

*'  We  are  assembled  here  in  the  cause  of  industrial  peace. 
The  purpose  of  our  meeting  is  to  remove,  as  far  as  possible, 
all  hostilities  and  recriminations,  all  bickerings  and  misunder- 
standings, between  capital  and  labor,  so  that  mutual  love  and 
good  will  may  be  inaugurated  between  them,  and  the  glorious 
reign  of  business  and  commercial  prosperity  may  be  confirmed 
and  perpetuated  throughout  the  land."  *^ 

"  The  Federation  believes  that  the  trade  agreement  is 
the  most  advanced  and  practicable  plan  by  which  employers 
and  employees  can  deal  with  matters  relating  to  hours, 
wages,  and  conditions  of  employment."  ^^  It  contends 
"  that  while  the  interests  of  labor  and  capital  are 
not  always  identical,  they  are  usually  reconcilable."  ** 

"  The  interests  of  the  two  are  not  identical,  because  capital 
naturally  strives  to  obtain  the  largest  return  in  labor  for  the 
least  pay;  while  labor  just  as  naturally  strives  to  obtain  the 
greatest  possible  pay  for  a  given  amount  of  labor.  These  ap- 
parently conflicting  positions  are  reconcilable,  however,  in  any 
given  trade  at  a  given  moment,  because  neither  employers  nor 
employees  nor  both  of  them  together  are  masters  of  circum- 
stance, and  only  such  wages  can  be  paid,  speaking  broadly,  as 
general  trade  conditions  will  sustain.  It  is  entirely  consistent 
with  the  recognition  of  this  difference  of  interest,  however, 
that  labor  should  strive  continually  to  improve  its  working  con- 
ditions ;  to  shorten  its  hours  of  labor ;  to  increase  its  pay ;  to 
better  the  sanitary  conditions  under  which  it  is  called  to  work ; 
and  generally  to  increase  the  share  which  labor  obtains  from 
the  operation  of  the  industries  of  the  nation.  The  National 
Civic  Federation  recognizes  that  labor  can  accomplish  such  re- 
sults as  those,  under  modern  conditions,  only  by  organization; 
and  it  has  therefore  given  its  entire  representation  of  the  la- 
bor element  to  the  representatives  of  organized  labor,  and  es- 
pecially to  the  representatives  of  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor,  and  the  Railway  Brotherhoods."  *^ 

"  Mediation  and  conciliation  will  not  always  serve  to  avert 
rupture,  but  in  most  cases,  unless  clear  questions  of  principle 


The  National  Civic  Federation  397 

are  involved,  an  honorable  settlement  of  differences  can, 
through  their  agency,  be  brought  about  by  the  exercise  of 
patience  and  diplomacy."  *" 

"  Let,  then,  capital  and  labor  join  hands  and  work  together 
harmoniously,  and  the  increased  prosperity  of  the  nation  is 
assured.  Let  our  motto  be :  *  Labor  and  capital,  one  and  in- 
separable, now  and  forever.'  "  " 

Except  as  in  the  matters  stated  above,  the  leaders  of  the 
N.  C.  F.  have  the  same  underlying  philosophy  that  the 
leaders  of  the  other  associations  studied  have.^®  With 
this  general  theory  of  the  Federation  in  mind,  we  can  bet- 
ter comprehend  the  development  of  its  activities. 

Evolution. —  In  1901,  the  National  Committee  on  Con- 
ciliation and  Arbitration  declared  "  its  purpose  to  be  the 
prevention  of  those  most  threatening  of  all  industrial  dis- 
turbances, the  strike  and  the  lockout."  ^^  To  such  an  ex- 
tent were  the  activities  of  the  Federation  limited  to  this  field 
in  its  early  days  that  this  seemed  to  have  been  its  sole  pur- 
pose, and  the  complaint  was  made  that  "  At  the  outset,  the 
National  Civic  Federation  was  met  by  a  very  general  mis- 
apprehension of  its  mission.  It  was  commonly  and  erro- 
neously believed  that  it  was  organized  to  avert  or  settle 
strikes  and  lockouts."  ^^  Much  of  the  early  history  of  the 
organization  tends  to  confirm  one  in  such  a  belief.  In  re- 
cent years,  however,  the  Federation's  activities  have  been 
much  broader. 

Labor  disturbances  led  to  the  formation  of  the  National 
Civic  Federation.^^  The  noted  railway  strike  of  1894  pre- 
sented such  a  serious  situation  to  the  Civic  Federation  of 
Chicago  that  its  leaders  called  together  a  "  Congress  on  In- 
dustrial Conciliation  and  Arbitration  "  in  the  same  year.'^^ 
Mr.  Ralph  M.  Easley  was  then  secretary  of  the  Civic  Fed- 
eration of  Chicago,  and  he  conceived  the  idea  of  a  national 
body  that  would  concern  itself  with  the  problems  of  labor 
primarily,  rather  than  incidentally  as  the  Chicago  organiza- 


398         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

tion  was  doing.  His  activities  resulted  in  the  formation  of 
the  National  Civic  Federation  and  also  in  the  calling  in  19CX) 
of  a  second  conference  on  industrial  conciliation.^^  This 
conference  endorsed  voluntary  conciliation  with  the  trade 
agreement  as  the  basis.  A  committee  was  chosen,  which 
was  able  to  avert,  or  rather,  postpone  an  anthracite  coal 
strike  in  1900.^^  In  1901,  the  same  committee,  through  a 
sub-committee  participated  in  the  attempts  to  settle  the 
Albany  Street  Car  Strike,  the  United  States  Steel  Corpora- 
tion Strike  and  the  controversy  between  the  National  Metal 
Trades  Association  and  the  International  Association  of 
Machinists.^^  Its  work  was  then  regarded  as  very  success- 
ful, for  Mr.  Easley,  then  secretary,  thus  wrote  of  its  effects 
upon  the  Federation : 

"  It  was  the  success  of  the  Committee  in  this  work  that 
demonstrated  to  the  public  the  practical  character  of  the  or- 
ganization, and  enabled  it  to  command  the  attention  and  sup- 
port of  the  representative  men  who  accepted  appointment  upon 
the  Executive  Committee  at  the  Conference  in  December  fol- 
lowing." ^® 

Departments. —  However,  in  the  more  important  cases, 
no  lasting  results  were  obtained,  for  the  troubles  in 
the  anthracite  coal  fields  broke  out  in  the  awful  strike 
of  1902,  and  neither  the  National  Metal  Trades  As- 
sociation, nor  the  United  States  Steel  Corporation 
now  negotiate  with  the  unions, —  both  have  adopted 
a  distinctly  belligerent  policy.  In  the  case  of  the 
United  States  Steel  Corporation,  the  Federal  admits 
it  met  one  of  its  great  defeats.^"^  Undoubtedly  a  rec- 
ognition of  this  situation  led  the  Federation  then  to  ex- 
tend its  activities  in  labor  matters  and  since  then,  from  time 
to  time,  it  has  added  new  functions. ^^  It  has  done  this 
mainly  by  the  organization  of  new  departments  with  com- 
mittees and  councils.  Among  the  numerous  departments 
that  have  been  organized  at  various  times,  many  of  which 


The  National  Civic  Federation  399 

have  been  discontinued  or  converted  into  other  departments, 
are:  the  Industrial  Department*^®  (Department  of  Concilia- 
tion and  Arbitration  or  the  Industrial  Conciliation  Depart- 
ment), the  Trade  Agreement  Department,  the  Department 
of  Industrial  Mediation  (Department  of  Industrial  Media- 
tion Law),  Welfare  Department,  Women's  Welfare  De- 
partment, Women's  Department,  Department  on  Workmen's 
Compensation  (on  Compensation  for  Industrial  Accidents 
and  Accident  Prevention,  on  Industrial  Accidents  Preven- 
tion), Wage  Earners'  Insurance  Department,  Social  Insur- 
ance Department,  Wage  Earners'  Pensions  Department, 
(Pensions),  Department  on  Reform  in  Legal  Procedure, 
Department  of  Organization,  Industrial  Training  Depart- 
ment, Immigration  Department,  Industrial  Economics  De- 
partment, Department  on  Study  of  Revolutionary  Move- 
ments, and  a  Minimum  Wage  Commission.^"  In  addition  to 
the  Minimum  Wage  Commission,  there  remained  in  1920  the 
following  departments  concerned  with  labor  matters:  Wel- 
fare, Woman's,  Industrial  Economics,  on  Study  of  Revolu- 
tionary Movements,  Workmen's  Compensation,  Social  In- 
surance, Immigration,  Industrial  Accidents  Prevention,  In- 
dustrial Training,  and  Pensions.®*  A  blending  of  some  and 
their  renaming,  and  the  discontinuance  of  others,  account 
for  the  remainder.  The  departments  grew  either  out  of 
committees  of  other  departments,  or  out  of  conferences 
called  for  the  discussion  of  problems  which  the  depart- 
ment later  took  up  as  its  reason  for  being.  Since  these 
departments  have  undergone  so  many  changes  of  names  and 
activities  our  discussion  of  the  activities  of  the  Federation 
cannot  follow  along  the  line  of  one  department  after  an- 
other, but  will  have  to  deal  with  activities,  grouped  as 
follows:  (i)  Mediatory  and  arbitration  activities,  (2)  Leg- 
islative activities,  (3)  Welfare  work,  and  (4)  Propaganda. 

Let  us  take  up  these  activities  in  this  order. 

Activities ;  Mediation  and  Arbitration. —  In  the  discus- 


400  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

sion  of  mediatory  activities  of  the  Federation,  we  shall  also 
discuss  some  of  its  activities  in  arbitration,  since  these  have 
grown  out  of  and  cannot  be  sharply  differentiated  from  its 
attempts  at  mediation,  for  the  latter  shades  into  the  former. 
The  two  terms  are  clearly  different,  and  have  thus  been  de- 
fined by  the  late  President  Low :  "  Mediation  involves 
merely  the  good  offices  of  a  third  party  in  the  effort  to  de- 
vise a  basis  of  settlement  of  any  disputed  question,  which 
basis  both  parties  to  the  controversy  will  be  willing  to  accept. 
Arbitration,  on  the  other  hand,  implies  .  .  .  that  all  at- 
tempts at  mediation  [or  conciliation  have  not  been  tried,  or] 
have  failed  and  that  the  points  in  controversy  remaining 
unsettled  are  to  be  determined  by  a  board  of  arbitration."  ®^ 
But  since  the  Federation  officials  have  acted  as  both  media- 
tors and  arbitrators  in  a  given  case,  the  activities  really 
form  a  continuous  discussion.  As  part  of  its  mediatory  and 
arbitration  activities  have  been  directed  towards  securing 
legislation,  we  shall  note  them  again  at  that  point. 

Activities,  How  Conducted. —  The  mediatory  and  arbi- 
tration activities  of  the  Federation  have  been  conducted  by 
committees,  boards  and  departments  among  which  are  the 
Conciliation  Committee  and  the  Arbitration  Board  of  the 
Industrial  Department  (later  renamed  the  Department  of 
Industrial  Conciliation)  and  the  Department  of  Trade 
Agreements.  The  Conciliation  Committee  of  the  Indus- 
trial Department,  consisting  of  nine  committeemen,  selected 
three  each  from  the  three  classes  of  the  members  of  the  Fed- 
eration, was  organized  in  December,  1900,  to  carry  out  the 
work  of  mediation.  An  Arbitration  Board,  made  up  of  two 
employers  and  two  wage-earners,  selected  from  the  Execu- 
tive Committee  of  the  Federation,  was  provided  for  in  cases 
where  mediation  had  failed  to  effect  a  settlement.*'^  Of  in- 
dividuals, Marcus  M.  Marks  has  had  more  to  do  with  avert- 
ing or  settling  strikes  than  any  other  member  of  the  Federa- 
tion.^^     The  Department  of  Trade  Agreements  grew  out  of 


The  National  Civic  Federation  401 

the  Department  of  Industrial  Conciliation,  and  then  was  dis- 
continued because  its  operation  involved  the  organization  of 
workers.  The  latter  was  converted  into  a  Department  of 
Industrial  Mediation,  which  was  mainly  concerned  with  se- 
curing legislation  providing  for  mediation  and  voluntary 
arbitration.  The  mediation  work  of  the  Federation  now 
consists  mainly  of  aiding  governmental  bodies  to  mediate 
labor  disputes,  and  is  performed  by  the  staff  officers.  They 
have  continued  the  bringing  about  of  conferences  between 
large  employers  and  the  labor  organizations.**^ 

The  field  of  the  Department  of  Industrial  Conciliation 
has  seemingly  varied.  A  statement  about  it  in  1907  out- 
lines its  field  as  dealing  with  strikes,  lockouts,  and  trade 
agreements;  another  in  19 10  says  that  it  deals  entirely  with 
strikes,  lockouts  and  arbitration,  while  one  in  191 2  limits 
the  field  to  strikes  and  lockouts.  The  statement  of  1912, 
with  additions  from  the  earlier  statements,  reads: 

"  The  Conciliation  Department  deals  entirely  with  strikes 
and  lockouts  (trade  agreements*)  (and  arbitration!).  The 
services  of  this  Department  have  been  enlisted  in  over 
(about  *  t)  five  hundred  cases,  involving  every  conceivable 
phase  of  a  problem  interwoven  with  or  underlying  an  industrial 
controversy.  Its  membership  includes  representatives  of  lead- 
ing organizations  of  employers,  of  wage-earners  and  of  the 
general  public."  ®® 

(*t"  Through  this  membership  information  of  any  threat- 
ened trouble  between  capital  and  labor  usually  reaches  the 
headquarters,  from  one  side  or  the  other,  in  advance  of  any 
public  rupture.  This  early  intelligence  is  of  the  utmost  value, 
since  the  best  time  to  adjust  a  dispute  is  before  a  rupture 
occurs."  *  •}•)  «7 

"  Whenever  it  is  possible  to  do  so,  the  Federation  co- 
operates with  the  State  Boards  of  Mediation,  supplementing 
their  eflForts  by  bringing  through  its  members  the  weight  of 
its  influence  as  a  disinterested  volunteer  force. 

*  1907  Statement  additions.  f  1910  Statement  additions. 


402         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  This  Department  is  urging  an  amendment  to  the  State 
arbitration  laws  which  seeks  to  prevent  strikes  and  lockouts 
on  quasi-public  utilities."  ®^ 

Successes  and  Failures. —  From  the  above  statements,  it 
may  be  gleaned  that  the  greater  part  of  the  work  of  this 
Department  was  performed  in  the  earlier  years  —  before 
1907 — for  it  had  dealt  with  "about  five  hundred  cases" 
prior  to  1907,  with  "  about  five  hundred  cases  "  up  to  1910, 
and  with  "over  five  hundred  cases,"  before  1912.  The 
Federation  concedes  that  this  Department  did  very  little  in 
the  period,  1908-09,^^  and  that  its  conciliation  committee, 
although  participating  in  the  settlement  of  a  few  important 
strikes,'^*^  in  some  cases  was  successful,  and  in  others  not.'^^ 
We  note  also  that  by  19 12,  the  Department  had  taken  up 
the  legislative  side  of  the  question,  presumably,  because  its 
experience  led  it  to  deem  certain  legislation  advisable,  and 
possibly  the  results  of  its  efforts  in  the  old  field  were  some- 
what disappointing. 

But,  for  a  while  its  accomplishments  in  averting  or  set- 
tling strikes  were  highly  satisfactory. "^^  A  summary  of  its 
activities  in  this  field,  published  in  1905.  is  well  worth  re- 
peating here : 

"  The  active  work  of  averting  or  of  settling  strikes  or  lock- 
outs is  conducted  by  the  Department  of  Conciliation,  composed 
of  an  Executive  Committee,  and  a  membership  extending  to 
every  industrial  center.  When  its  good  offices  are  requested 
by  one  of  the  parties  in  a  dispute,  it  ascertains  indirectly 
whether  a  conference  would  be  agreeable  to  the  other  side. 
In  responding  to  such  a  request,  special  precaution  is  exercised 
against  any  suspicion  of  meddlesome  interference.''^  If  a  con- 
ference is  declined,  the  action  of  the  Conciliation  Committee 
ceases.  But,  if  the  overture  is  favorably  received,  the  Com- 
mittee develops  the  opportunity  to  bring  representatives  of  the 
two  parties  together.  This  is  a  process  often  requiring  the 
utmost  tact  and  patience,  especially  when  the  questions  at  issue 
have  caused  irritation  and  aroused  the  stubbornness  of  pride 


The  National  Civic  Federation  403 

upon  each  side.  There  have  been  cases  that  required  as  many 
as  fifty  committee  and  sub-committee  meetings  and  conferences, 
by  day  and  by  night,  before  a  conclusion  was  reached.  Several 
times,  it  has  been  necessary  for  labor  members  of  the  Concilia- 
tion Committee  to  argue  on  the  floor  of  a  union  meeting,  and 
for  its  employer  members  to  appear  before  an  employers'  as- 
sociation. Upon  several  occasions,  it  required  two  or  three 
hours  to  bring  together  in  one  room  contending  representatives, 
although  they  had  been  induced  to  come  to  the  offices  of  the 
Civic  Federation  for  the  express  purpose  of  a  conference. 

"Of  the  156  cases  treated  by  the  Conciliation  Committee, 
82  applications  originated  with  employers  and  74  with  wage- 
earners.  The  work  of  this  Department  is  often  of  so  delicate 
a  nature  that  publicity  would  defeat  its  purpose.  Thus  it 
happens  that  the  public,  which  always  receives  an  abundance 
of  information  about  a  strike,  may  hear  nothing  at  all  about 
the  inner  negotiations  which  resulted  in  its  settlement :  or  the 
public  may  be  equally  uninformed  about  the  prevention  of  a 
strike  that  would  have  caused  enormous  inconvenience  and 
incalculable  loss. 

"  This  Department  is  in  a  position  especially  adapted  to  this 
work  of  prevention.  It  is  in  touch,  simultaneously  and  closely, 
with  labor  organizations;  with  organizations  of  employers 
formed  to  deal  with  labor;  and  with  the  largest  interests  of 
manufacturing  and  transportation.  Through  these  connections, 
the  Department  knows  in  advance  where  trouble  is  brewing 
long  before  it  reaches  the  acute  stage,  which  is  the  most  effec- 
tive time  to  prevent  strikes.  For  example,  the  head  of  a  large 
labor  organization  notified  the  Department  that  there  was  in- 
cipient trouble  between  his  organization  and  a  corporation 
employing  i5,cxxd  men  in  a  dozen  States,  and  if  their  committee 
could  not  secure  an  interview  with  the  officials  of  the  company, 
a  strike  was  sure  to  result.  With  this  early  warning,  a  member 
of  the  Department  saw  one  of  the  directors  of  the  corporation 
the  next  day  and  had  no  trouble  in  smoothing  the  way  for 
the  committee  to  secure  a  conference  that  averted  the  trouble. 

"  Some  Illustrative  Cases. —  An  accurate  and  detailed 
history  of  all  the  work  involved  in  the  cases  treated  by  this  De- 
partment would  require  a  volume.     It  will  suffice  to  cite  a  few 


404         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

that  will  illustrate  the  national  scope  of  this  work,  the  value  of 
its  results  and  the  methods  employed  in  their  accomplish- 
ment: 

"  The  five-year  contract  of  the  American  Newspaper  Pub- 
lishers' Association  with  the  Typographical  Union  was  in  im- 
minent danger  of  rupture  on  account  of  a  serious  misunder- 
standing in  a  western  office.  This  contract  was  regarded  as  a 
model  in  some  respects,  and  since  the  presidents  of  both  or- 
ganizations were  members  of  the  National  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  Civic  Federation,  naturally  an  extra  effort  was 
made  to  prevent  the  threatened  rupture.  The  effort  was  en- 
tirely successful.  One  of  the  difficulties,  however,  that  de- 
veloped in  working  under  the  contract  was  the  inability  to 
agree  upon  an  umpire  when  any  dispute  had  gone  to  arbitra- 
tion. This  was  settled,  for  future  controversies,  by  an  amend- 
ment being  made  to  the  contract,  referring  the  selection  of  the 
odd  arbitrator  to  the  National  Civic  Federation  in  all  cases 
where  the  parties  were  unable  to  agree  upon  one. 

"  An  official  of  a  transcontinental  railway,  with  offices  in 
San  Francisco,  wired  the  headquarters  of  the  National  Civic 
Federation  that  a  strike  of  the  longshoremen  was  threatened  at 
Iberia,  La.  It  was  soon  learned,  from  the  headquarters  of  the 
International  Longshoremen's  Association  at  Detroit,  that  the 
President  was  fortunately  at  that  time  in  San  Francisco.  He 
was  promptly  communicated  with  and  asked  to  call  upon  the 
railway  official.  This  he  did,  and  within  six  hours  from  the 
receipt  of  the  first  message,  an  order  had  been  issued  postponing 
the  strike  until  an  investigation  had  been  made  by  the  Inter- 
national President,  that  investigation  resulting  in  the  settle- 
ment of  the  grievance. 

A  committee  of  firemen  from  an  important  railway  asked 
the  Department  to  intercede  in  a  difficulty  that  had  reached  the 
verge  of  a  strike.  Several  conferences  between  the  national 
officers  of  the  firemen's  brotherhood  and  the  president  of  the 
railroad  had  been  futile,  although  the  president  was  conserva- 
tive and  had  had  long  and  successful  experience  with  labor. 
The  Department,  after  two  weeks'  work,  brought  about  a  com- 
plete settlement  of  all  the  questions  in  dispute.  In  this  case, 
although  the  firemen  had  actually  voted  by  a  two-thirds  majority 


The  National  Civic  Federation  405 

to  strike,  the  public  that  rides  on  the  road  had  never  heard 
even  a  whisper  of  the  difficulty. 

**  The  machinists  were  on  strike  throughout  the  sys- 
tem of  the  Southern  Railway  Company.  The  president  of  the 
Machinists'  International  Association  asked  the  good  offices  of 
the  Civic  Federation  in  securing  an  audience  with  the  President 
of  the  Railway  Company.  This  conference  was  brought  about, 
and  a  satisfactory  settlement  resulted. 

"  A  threatened  strike  on  the  New  York,  New  Haven  and 
Hartford  Railroad  last  year  for  about  two  or  three  weeks 
seemed  almost  inevitable,  as  the  President  had  refused  to  meet 
any  national  officer  of  the  Railway  Brotherhoods.  The  strike, 
however,  was  averted  by  a  conference  arranged  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Civic  Federation,  between  J.  P.  Morgan,  one  of  the 
directors  of  the  road,  at  his  residence,  and  E.  E.  Clark,  Grand 
Chief  of  the  Order  of  Railway  Conductors.  At  this  con- 
ference, which  lasted  over  two  hours,  Mr.  Morgan  went  care- 
fully into  every  detail  of  the  situation,  and  took  steps  which 
brought  about  a  settlement  of  the  controversy. 

"  In  the  preliminary  work  leading  up  to  the  settlement  of 
the  great  New  York  Building  Trades  lockout  last  year,  the 
Conciliation  Committee  of  the  Civic  Federation  took  an  active 
but  quiet  part,  and  finally  brought  about  the  joint  conference 
of  the  30  employers'  organizations  and  the  30  unions  involved 
in  the  controversy.  This  conference,  presided  over  by  the 
New  York  Chairman  of  the  Civic  Federation  Committee,  re- 
sulted in  the  formation  of  the  well-known  arbitration  agree- 
ment. Many  times  since  has  the  Civic  Federation  Committee 
rendered-  effective  service  in  lessening  the  friction  incident  to 
the  operation  of  new  machinery,  as  the  Chairman  of  the  Board 
of  Governors  of  the  Employers'  Association  and  the  heads  of 
various  unions  have  repeatedly  and  publicly  testified. 

"  In  the  strike  of  the  Marine  Trades'  Council  against  the 
New  York  Metal  Trades'  Association,  which  at  one  time  in- 
volved the  whole  shipbuilding  industry  of  New  York,  a  con- 
ference was  brought  about  by  the  Civic  Federation,  at  which 
an  arbitration  agreement  for  one  year  was  reached.  This  was 
renewed  for  another  year. 

"  A  very  bitter  controversy  arose  between  the  Associated 


4o6         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Brewers  of  New  York  and  vicinity  and  the  Brewery  Workers' 
Union,  threatening  a  boycott,  strike  and  lockout.  The  contend- 
ing parties  came  to  an  agreement  among  themselves  to  refer 
the  questions  in  dispute  to  arbitration.  The  Associated  Brew- 
ers preferred  that  the  matter  should  be  decided  by  labor  men 
exclusively,  and  called  upon  the  Civic  Federation  to  furnish 
arbitrators,  which  was  done,  and  the  decision  was  satisfactory 
to  both  sides,  the  Associated  Brewers  winning  their  contention. 

"  Conference,  arranged  through  the  efforts  of  the  Civic  Fed- 
eration, averted,  in  June,  1904,  a  strike  of  organized  teamsters 
that  would  have  tied  up  every  truck  in  New  York  and  caused 
untold  inconvenience  and  distress  throughout  the  city.  The 
International  Brotherhood  of  Teamsters  demanded  shorter 
hours,  higher  pay  and  the  exclusive  employment  of  members 
of  their  organization.  The  Truck  Owners'  Association  refused 
to  recognize  the  union  at  all.  A  strike  was  imminent,  when  the 
Secretary  of  the  Truck  Owners'  Association  invited  the  Chair- 
man of  the  Conciliation  Committee  of  the  New  York  Civic 
Federation  to  review  the  situation.  Two  face-to-face  extended 
conferences  were  sufficient,  although  the  situation  contained 
elements  of  bitterness,  to  reach  a  year's  contract  as  to  wages, 
hours  and  conditions  of  work,  the  truck  owners  agreeing  not 
to  discriminate  against  union  drivers  and  the  drivers  agreeing 
not  to  discriminate  in  handling  any  merchandise. 

"  The  good  offices  of  the  Conciliation  Committee  have  been 
invited  by  one  party  or  the  other  in  many  street  railway  con- 
troversies. 

"  A  strike  threatened  to  tie  up  the  entire  system  of  street 
railways  in  San  Francisco,  but  was  averted  by  a  conference 
in  the  New  York  offices  of  the  National  Civic  Federation,  be- 
tween the  owners  of  the  road  and  the  Presidents  of  the  Amal- 
gamated Association  of  Street  Railway  Employees.  All  points 
of  difference  were  agreed  upon  excepting  two  and  they  were 
submitted  to  arbitration,  with  the  Vice-President  of  the  Na- 
tional Civic  Federation  as  the  third  arbiter.  Through  con- 
ferences secured  by  this  Committee,  both  in  New  York  and 
New  Orleans,  a  threatened  strike  on  the  street  railway  system 
in  New  Orleans  was  averted,  and  contracts  were  signed  be- 


The  National  Civic  Federation  407 

tween  the  contending  parties.  Other  conferences  secured  by 
the  Civic  Federation  prevented  street  railway  strikes  in  Jersey 
City,  Newark,  Trenton,  Pittsburgh,  Newburg,  and  other  cities. 
The  Union  Traction  Company  of  Chicago  was  facing  a  com- 
plete tie-up  of  its  lines  because  of  the  refusal  to  meet  a  com- 
mittee of  the  men  to  discuss  grievances.  Application  to  the 
New  York  office  of  the  National  Civic  Federation  resulted  in 
the  Chicago  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  bringing 
about  a  conference  which  prevented  a  strike.  Both  sides  pub- 
licly gave  the  Civic  Federation  credit  for  settling  this  matter. 

"  Probably  no  clearer  example  of  the  value  of  conciliation 
and  conference  could  be  given  than  their  employment  in  rela- 
tion to  the  elevated  and  subway  systems  of  transit  in  New 
York.  When  the  elevated  men  were  organized  a  year  ago,  the 
road  was  changing  ownership,  and  no  one  seemed  willing  to 
listen  to  the  committees  representing  the  men.  The  employees 
were  impatient  and  restless  because  of  these  delays,  when  the 
Civic  Federation  secured  them  a  conference  with  the  managers 
of  the  road.  This  resulted  in  a  contract  for  one  year,  which 
was  renewed  at  its  expiration  this  Spring. 

"  The  opening  of  the  Subway,  however,  introducing  a  new 
series  of  difficulties  to  be  met.  But  the  fact  that  August  Bel- 
mont, President  of  the  Interborough  Company,  and  Messrs. 
Mahon,  Stone  and  Wilson,  presidents  of  the  three  labor  or- 
ganizations involved,  were  all  members  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  National  Civic  Federation,  opened  the  way  to 
conference  and  agreement."  '* 

This  summary  was  made  at  the  time  when  the  Federation 
was  approaching  its  highest  point  in  settling  or  averting 
strikes — 1905-07'^^ — a  period  of  great  prosperity  and 
rising  prices  when  employers  could  easily  make  concessions 
in  wages,  and  in  hours  if  overtime  was  allowed.  Never- 
theless, the  record  is  one  of  great  achievement. 

But  some  very  interesting  observations  and  inferences  may 
be  made  from  the  above  summary  and  other  accounts  of  the 
Federation's  work  in  mediating  and  arbitrating  strikes. 
The  first  is  that  the  success  of  the  Federation  was  during 


4o8         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

a  prosperous  period,  and  that  from  1907  to  19 14,  compara- 
tively little  was  accomplished,  so  little,  in  fact,  that  the  de- 
partment as  originally  created  had  practically  ceased  to 
exist.  In  the  recent,  more  prosperous  years,  the  work  has 
been  performed  largely  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Executive 
Council  and  the  President  of  the  Federation.  In  the  second 
place,  the  successes  of  the  Federation  were  usually  among  its 
own  members  —  that  is,  to  say,  the  cases  were  those  in 
which  some  of  its  members  were  financially  interested,  and 
the  unions  of  some  of  its  labor-leader  members  were  in- 
volved. This,  in  itself,  is  highly  creditable  to  the  Federa- 
tion—  that  it  could  settle  what  might  be  regarded  as  its 
family  quarrels,  and  at  a  time  when  it  was  attempting  to 
bring  all  employers  and  labor  leaders  into  its  family. 

But  the  very  situation  has  offered  an  unusual  opportunity 
for  the  gravest  sort  of  abuses  in  stock  manipulation.  It  is 
a  fair  assumption  that  among  the  shrewd  financiers  of  the 
country,  there  were  some  who  saw  the  opportunity  —  and 
possibly  a  few  of  these  took  advantage  of  it.  The  Fed- 
eration has  always  had  among  its  members  a  large  number 
of  the  leading  financiers  of  the  world, —  there  can  hardly 
be  a  question  that  any  other  employers'  association  in  the 
couYitry  is  so  intimately  connected  with  "  Wall  Street."  As 
we  have  seen,  much  of  this  work  of  the  Federation  has  been 
conducted  so  quietly  that  only  a  few  persons  knew  of  it  at 
the  time.'^®  In  fact,  one  of  the  prominent  officials  of  the 
Federation  has  said,  "  The  very  relation  of  its  most  impor- 
tant work  Is  largely  confidential.  What  the  President  re- 
lated to  you  with  reference  to  a  strike  occurring  in  the  West, 
occurs  constantly,  and  the  same  results  have  been  obtained. 
You  will  notice  that  he  did  not  even  give  the  name  of  the 
corporation  of  the  bankers  between  whom  [and  the  labor 
organization]  the  difficulty  existed,  because,  as  the  mediator, 
it  is  necessary  that  this  organization  should  observe  secrecy 


The  National  Civic  Federation  409 

always."  "  What  an  opportunity  for  a  manipulator  to  let 
matters  drift  toward  a  strike,  and  before  the  situation  be- 
comes known,  to  sell  "  short "  in  stock  in  the  corporation, 
then  let  the  situation  be  revealed  to  the  public,  and  when  the 
stock  takes  a  tumble  in  prices,  to  buy  heavily,  not  only  to 
"  cover,"  but  more,  and  then  call  in  the  Federation  to  settle 
the  strike,  if  necessary  make  concessions  to  the  strikers,  and 
reap  the  profits  off  the  transaction !  And  the  Civic  Federa- 
tion would  be  innocent,  no  blame  could  justly  be  placed  on 
it,  for  it  could  hardly  remedy  the  situation,  no  matter  how 
much  it  might  wish  to  do  so.  This  situation  is  merely  one 
of  the  complications  of  the  industrial  conflict.* 

Trade  Agreements ;  Promotion  of,  Conferences  Upon. 
—  The  Federation  has  endorsed  "  model  "  trade  agreements, 
held  conferences  on  these,  and  organized  a  Department  off 
Trade  Agreements,  now  discontinued.  Among  the  various 
trade  agreements  thus  commended  are  those  between  the 
Stove  Founders'  National  Defense  Association  and  the 
Iron  Molders'  Union, '''^  and  between  the  American  News- 
paper Publishers'  Association  and  the  International  Typo- 
graphical Union  and  other  unions.*^  It  has  reviewed  the 
trade  agreements  in  the  coal  fields,  on  the  great  lakes,  in  the 
iron  and  steel  industry,  on  street  railways,  in  the  cotton 

*  Mr.  Easley  has  clearly  explained  the  Federation's  position  in  this 
matter,  but  he  has  not  denied  that  the  opportunity  exists  because  of  the 
secrecy.  His  explanation  helps  greatly  to  illuminate  a  phase  of  indus- 
trial relations.  He  says,  "  That  remark  was  based  upon  our  discovery 
that  neither  employers  nor  labor  men  like  to  have  it  known  that  they 
are  asking  outsiders  to  mediate  for  them.  In  fact,  we  soon  found  that 
it  was  impolitic  to  let  either  side  know  that  the  other  side  had  approached 
us,  because  it  is  a  fact  that  it  is  only  the  weaker  side  that  asks  for 
help,  and  such  application  would  be  taken  as  an  indication  of  weak- 
ness by  the  other  side.  Another  reason  for  .  .  .  [the]  statement  was 
that  at  first  we  were  quite  puffed  up  when  we  settled  a  strike  and  were 
not  adverse  to  having  newspaper  publicity ;  but  we  soon  found  that  both 
sides  began  to  think  that  we  were  doing  these  things  for  the  sake  of 
advertising."  '* 


410         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

mills,^^  in  the  shoe  industry,^^  among  the  lithographers,^^ 
in  the  building  industry,^^,  in  the  brewing  industry,  in  glass 
manufacturing,  in  textile  manufacturing,  among  the  gar- 
ment makers,  among  the  musicians  and  theatrical  operators, 
among  the  printers,  among  the  shipping  interests,  and  on 
the  great  railway  systems  of  the  coimtry.^^  It  has  pub- 
lished, for  instance  in  19 19,  "  An  Ideal  Collective  Con- 
tract," and  has  contended  that  union  officials  believe  in  the 
"  inviolability  of  contracts."  ^^  Two  of  the  annual  meet- 
ings of  the  Federation  have  been  devoted  to  conferences  on 
trade  agreements.  It  was  at  the  conference  in  May,  1907, 
that  the  Department  on  Trade  Agreements  was  organized. 
In  190S,  Mr,  John  Mitchell,  the  Chairman  of  the  Depart- 
ment, undertook  to  devote  all  of  his  time  to  the  Depart- 
ment.®"^ But  the  time  was  one  of  depression,  and  an  agi- 
tation among  the  United  Mine  Workers,  his  union,  finally 
forced  him  to  choose  to  retain  his  membership  in  the  union 
at  the  sacrifice  of  his  position  with  the  Civic  Federation. 
The  Department  has  ceased  to  exist,  because  it  was  "  found 
that  practically  every  case  of  collective  bargaining  resulted 
from  a  strike  and  that  only  organized  workers  could  make 
collective  contracts.  It  is  not  the  business  of  the  National 
Civic  Federation  to  go  out  and  organize  the  workingmen. 
That  the  unions  have  to  do,  themselves."  ®®  This  Depart- 
ment's work  was  very  similar  to  that  of  the  Department  of 
Industrial  Conciliation  and  the  work  of  the  two  has  not 
been  clearly  dififerentiated,  as  the  following  quotation  will 
show : 

"  The  formation  of  the  Department  to  promote  trade  agree- 
ments followed  a  conference  upon  that  subject  held  in  New 
York  City  May  7,  1904.  Those  who  took  part  were  employers, 
individual,  and  representing  70  trade  organizations,  embracing 
all  the  basic  industries,  such  as  the  production  of  coal,  iron  and 
steel,  and  transportation;  and  employees  representing  national 
or  local  labor  organizations.     This  gathering  thus  represented 


The  National  Civic  Federation  411 

hundreds  of  millions  of  capital  and  more  than  2,500,000  wage 
earners.  .  .  . 

"  The  promotion  of  trade  agreements  by  this  Department 
may  be  illustrated  by  two  examples.  The  organizations  con- 
taining 95  per  cent,  of  all  the  capital  and  labor  invested  and 
employed  in  the  lithographic  industry  in  the  United  States  were 
at  a  deadlock  over  the  demand  by  the  employers  for  an  arbitra- 
tion agreement.  The  employees  regarded  the  proposed  form 
of  agreement  as  tantamount  to  a  surrender  of  the  right  to 
strike  upon  any  question  whatever,  and  had  advanced  several 
new  demands.  The  services  of  members  of  the  Trade  Agree- 
ment Department  being  requested  by  an  officer  of  the  Em- 
ployers' Association,  negotiations  were  begun  that  resulted  in 
the  signing  of  a  national  trade  agreement  in  April,  1904,  [sic] 
that  ended  a  six  weeks'  lockout,  and  that  included  a  provision 
for  arbitration  and  a  method  of  securing  compliance  with  de- 
cisions. Several  of  the  conferences  of  the  representatives  of 
the  two  sides  were  so  long  as  to  reach  the  point  of  physical  ex- 
haustion, one  of  them,  at  which  a  member  of  this  Department 
presided,  lasting  eight  days. 

"  Conferences,  brought  about  by  this  Department  in  the 
summer  and  fall  of  1904,  prevented  trouble  between  the  theatri- 
cal managers  of  New  York  and  the  unions  of  musicians  and 
theatrical  employees  that  would  have  involved  every  theatre  in 
the  country,  from  the  Metropolitan  Grand  Opera  House  to  the 
rural  '  one  night  stand.'  Instead,  a  trade  agreement  was 
reached,  and  such  prominent  managers  as  Messrs.  Conried, 
Savage,  Erlanger  and  Hayman  became  enthusiastic  advocates 
of  applying  this  business  method  to  the  production  of  public 
entertainments,  while  both  theatrical  managers  and  the  organ- 
ized musicians  and  stage  hands  expressed  their  gratification  at 
the  resuh." «» 

From  the  above,  it  must  not  be  concluded  that  the  Civic 
Federation  is  an  auxiliary  to  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor,  for,  in  arbitrating  disputes,  it  has,  for  instance,  de- 
cided on  general  principles  in  favor  of  the  "  open  shop  "  in  a 
difficulty  between  the  New  York  City  Typothetae  and  the 


412         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

local  Typographical  Union.®''  It  has  also"  condemned  the  ex- 
clusive features  of  the  labor  contracts  in  the  building  trades, 
a  means  by  which  all  laborers  in  a  trade  are  forced  into  the 
union,  and  all  employers  in  that  trade  are  forced  into  the  as- 
sociation.^^ Yet  it  did  not  regard  unfavorably  similar  com- 
binations in  the  needle  workers'  trades  in  New  York  City.®^ 
Of  course  there  were  different  circumstances  in  the  two 
cases. 

Mediatory  Legislation. —  From  its  attempts  directly  to 
avert  strikes,  the  Federation  in  later  years  has  turned  more 
and  more  to  trying  to  have  laws  enacted  providing  for  medi- 
ation and  arbitration  of  labor  disputes.  It  had  a  depart- 
ment to  formulate  such  laws,  the  Department  on  Industrial 
Mediation. ^^  A  committee  of  the  Federation  secured  the 
enactment  of  the  Newlands  Act  relating  to  labor  disputes  on 
interstate  railways.®^  "  A  model  state  mediation  act  has 
been  drafted.  Its  object  is  to  effect  amicable  settlements  of 
industrial  controversies  and  is  similar  in  many  of  its  pro- 
visions to  the  federal  Newlands  law."  ^^  But  the  failure 
of  the  Newlands  Act  in  191 6,  seems  to  have  been  somewhat 
discouraging  to  the  Federation,  for  this  Department  has 
been  discontinued.  The  Federation  still  opposes  compul- 
sory arbitration  and  compulsory  investigation  of  labor  dis- 
putes, not  officially,  perhaps,  "  although  in  earlier  days  the 
officers  of  the  organization,  from  Mr.  Low  down,  were  all 
opposed  to  either  compulsory  arbitration  or  compulsory  in- 
vestigation. This  is  also  the  personal  view  of  Mr.  Low's 
successor,  Mr.  V.  Everit  Macy."  »^  The  N.  C.  R,  in  its 
annual  meeting  in  19 12,  endorsed  the  formation  of  a  Fed- 
eral Commission  on  Industrial  Relations.®^  During  the 
war  a  number  of  its  officers  were  appointed  on  certain  war 
committees  and  war  boards  which  dealt  with  labor  prob- 
lems.®^ In  19 1 8,  it  appointed  two  commissions,  one  to 
study  industrial  relations  in  Europe,  and  the  other  to  make 
a  similar  study  in  the  United  States.     The  investigation  was 


The  National  Civic  Federation  413 

especially  concerned  with  the  relations  between  labor  and  the 
governments.  Among  the  topics  studied  and  reported  on 
were  housing,  labor  and  public  opinion,  shop-steward  move- 
ment, democratization  of  industry,  Britain's  chaotic  labor 
policies,  and  her  triple  alliance  among  the  labor  unions.*' 
Other  Legislative  Activities. —  The  Federation  has  also 
been  interested  in  the  enactment  of  workmen's  compensa- 
tion laws,  immigration  laws,  minimum-wage  laws,  in 
amending  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Act,  in  "  anti-Bolshevik  " 
legislation, ^^•^  and  uniform  state  laws  in  respect  to  child 
labor,  shorter  work-day  for  women,  prevention  of  accidents 
in  mines  and  factories,  factory  inspection,  workmen's  com- 
pensation, prison  labor,  pensions  for  federal,  state  and 
municipal  employees,  reform  in  legal  procedure,  and  medi- 
ation in  industrial  disputes. ^''^  It  has  organized  depart- 
ments, committees  and  commissions  to  consider  these 
measures,  to  make  recommendations,  and  in  a  number  of 
cases  to  formulate  model  bills  for  enactment.  An  Immi- 
gration Department  was  created  to  investigate  the  facts 
about  immigration,  it  secured  some  legislation  in  the 
State  of  New  York  to  protect  the  immigrant  against  fraud, 
and  was  largely  instrumental  in  having  Congress  authorize 
a  Commission  on  Immigration.^*'^  A  Minimum  Wage 
Commission  investigated  minimum-wage  legislation  in 
the  United  States,  and  issued  a  report  thereon,  in  which  it 
gave  the  advice  to  watch  and  wait  to  see  how  present  laws 
work  out.*°^  A  Department  on  Reform  in  Legal  Procedure 
pled  for  both  state  and  national  laws  to  reduce  court  costs 
and  to  prevent  delay  in  legal  procedure.  ^^"^  A  Committee  on 
Pensions  for  Public  Employees  had  "  for  its  purpose  the 
securing  of  proper  legislation  for  retirement  funds  in  the 
Federal  classified  service  and  for  State  and  municipal  em- 
ployees." '^^^  It  formulated  a  "  model "  pension  bill  to 
serve  this  purpose.^^®  State  Councils  were  organized  in  31 
states  "  to  urge  uniform  State  legislation  on  those  matters 


414         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

that  are  intrastate;  to  work  for  the  co-ordination  of  State 
with  Federal  legislation  where  conflict  now  exists  and  to 
aid  in  securing  Federal  legislation  on  interstate  matters  that 
are  concededly  in  the  interests  of  public  welfare."  ^^'^  The 
Councils  were  the  result  of  a  conference  called  by  the  Fed- 
eration to  discuss  the  question  of  uniform  laws,  and  of  a 
series  of  organization  meetings  held  in  the  various  states.^*'^ 
These  Councils  today  seem  to  be  dormant  or  dead.  An  in- 
dustrial Insurance  Commission  had  planned  to  take  up  the 
matter  of  industrial-insurance  laws  and  work  for  state  uni- 
formity/^^ but  the  activity  seems  to  have  been  transferred 
to  other  departments.  The  Federation  has  also  interested 
itself  in  political  reforms.  It  held  a  conference  on  primary 
laws,  ballot  reform  and  corrupt  practices,  but  does  not  seem 
to  have  formulated  model  laws  to  deal  with  these  matters.^^® 
Workmen's  Compensation. —  The  greatest  efforts  of 
the  Federation  in  legislative  matters  have  been  exerted  in 
studying  and  discussing  workmen's  compensation  and  acci- 
dent prevention,  in  formulating  model  bills,  and  in  attempt- 
ing to  secure  their  enactment  by  legislative  bodies.  At  each 
annual  meeting  from  the  tenth  to  the  fourteenth,  and  at 
other  recent  meetings,  a  part  or  all  of  the  time  of  the  meet- 
ing was  devoted  to  the  discussion  of  some  or  many  phases 
of  the  matter.^^^  At  first  the  Federation  had  a  Commit- 
tee on  Industrial  Accidents  and  Their  Prevention,  "  To  in- 
quire into  the  need  of  amending  State  laws  on  employers' 
liability,  with  a  view  to  securing  uniform  provisions  look- 
ing toward  compensation  for  industrial  accidents;  and  to 
look  into  means  of  preventing  accidents  in  all  commercial 
and  manufacturing  enterprises."  As  a  result  a  great  many 
ways  and  means  of  preventing  accidents  have  been  presented 
to  the  public  through  lectures,  publications  and  exhibits  on 
a  noteworthy  scale.^^^  The  Federation  has  had  at  least 
two  departments  concerned  with  phases  of  this  work:  the 
Departments   on   Compensation,   or  Workmen's   Compen- 


The  National  Civic  Federation  415 

sation,  and  on  Pensions.^^^  A  joint  committee  of  the 
N.  C.  F.  and  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  made  an 
extended  investigation  of  workmen's  compensation  laws, 
and  made  a  report  thereon  —  "  Workmen's  Compensation  " 
—  which  has  since  been  published  as  a  Senate  Document 
(No.  419,  63'^  Cong.).  On  the  basis  of  the  facts  learned 
from  the  investigation,  the  N.  C.  F.  formulated  a  new 
"model"  workmen's  compensation  law.^^*  The  Federa- 
tion's Department  on  Workmen's  Compensation  had 
previously  drafted  a  "  model "  law,  but  its  compulsory- 
feature  was  held  to  be  unconstitutional  by  the  Court  of 
Appeals  of  New  York.  It  had  submitted  this  old  "  model  " 
law  to  the  legislatures  of  33  states  during  191 1.^^^  "  Briefs 
prepared  by  members  of  the  Federation's  Legal  Commit- 
tee, arguing  for  *  Compulsory  Compensation,'  and  opposing 
the  '  Elective  Plan,'  *  State  Insurance '  and  the  Proposed 
*  Federal  Tax,'  and  dealing  with  the  '  Police  Power,'  were 
submitted  to  the  Congressional  Commission  [on  Employers' 
Liability  and  Workmen's  Compensation]  at  its  several  hear- 
ings and  are  being  widely  used  in  the  Federation's  educa- 
tional campaign."  ^^^  This  Commission  is  said  to  have 
adopted  the  principles  of  the  Federation's  "  model "  bill 
for  compulsory  compensation.^^  ^  After  public  and  in- 
formal conferences  were  held,  the  Federation  drafted  a 
"  model "  elective  compensation  bill  as  a  temporary  ex- 
pedient until  a  way  could  be  found  to  overcome  the  Con- 
stitutional obstacle  to  a  compulsory  law.^^*  The  Depart- 
ment, however,  worked  the  problem  over,  and  in  191 5  was 
able  to  recommend  to  41  legislatures  "  a  memorandum  of 
main  provisions  requisite  to  adequate  compulsory  work- 
men's compensation  laws,"  and  "  two  experts,  sent  to 
Colorado,  at  the  request  of  Governor  Carlson,  framed  and 
helped  to  secure  the  enactment  of  a  comprehensive  law."  ^^® 
Accident  Prevention. —  Realizing,  however,  that  acci- 
dent prevention  is  better  than  compensation,  the  Federa- 


4i6         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

tion  has  endeavored  to  prevent  accidents  by  advocating  a 
"  model  safety  act  "  for  uniform  state  legislation,^^*^  and  by 
urging  a  "  standard  uniform  blank  prepared  by  its  experts 
for  the  reporting  of  industrial  accidents  by  employers  and 
liability  insurance  companies  to  State  Bureaus  and  Fed- 
eral Departments,"  ^^^  for  the  purpose  of  learning  the  real 
causes  of  accidents,  so  that  the  causes  could  be  removed. ^^^ 

As  the  mediatory  and  arbitration  activities  have  led  the 
N.  C  F.  into  the  field  of  legislation  so  has  its  welfare  work. 
For  out  of  its  Employers'  Welfare  Department  has  grown 
the  movement  for  workmen's  compensation  laws,  and  for 
wage-earners'  pensions,^^^  and  doubtless,  other  movements 
for  legislation.  Legislation  seems  to  be  a  second,  or  per- 
haps even  a  last  resort  in  difficult  cases.  Nevertheless,  the 
Federation,  without  having  resorted  to  legislation,  has  ac- 
complished much  in  welfare  work.  Let  us  now  turn  our 
attention  to  this  division  of  the  Federation's  activities. 

The  Welfare  Work  of  the  N.  C.  F.  has  been  carried 
on  by  the  Employers'  Welfare  Department,  the  Women's 
Welfare  Department,  the  Social  Insurance  Department 
and  the  Wage  Earners'  Pension  Department.  "  Welfare 
work  is  defined  by  the  National  Civic  Federation  as  the 
voluntary  effort  of  the  employer  to  improve  the  working 
and  living  conditions  of  his  employees."  ^^^  In  promoting 
this  work  the  Federation  assumes  that  the  employer  recog- 
nizes clearly  "  that  the  first  essentials  to  the  welfare  of  em- 
ployees are  steady  work,  a  fair  wage,  and  reasonable  hours 
of  labor,"  ^^^  but  that  he  has  a  further  obligation,  for  the 
Federation  does  not  attempt  to  have  welfare  work  done 
as  the  equivalent  of  better  pay  but  as  a  matter  of  social 
justice,  and  in  connection  with  the  shortest  hours  and  the 
best  pay  the  men  can  get  for  themselves. ^^^  "  The  spirit 
of  the  age  has  thrown  upon  the  employer,  duties  involving 
a  proper  regard  for  the  comfort,  health,  safety  and  well-be- 
ing of  the  employees."  ^^® 


The  National  Civic  Federation  417 

Five  general  subjects  are  covered  in  this  work  : 

"  Sanitary  Work  Places:  Systems  for  providing  pure  drink- 
ing water,  for  ventilation,  including  the  cooling  of  superheated 
places,  and  devices  for  exhausting  dust  and  removing  gases; 
for  lighting  work  places ;  and  for  safe-guards  against  in- 
dustrial accidents ;  wash  rooms  with  hot  and  cold  water,  towels 
and  soap;  shower  baths  and  drying  rooms  for  molders  and 
stationary  firemen ;  emergency  hospitals ;  locker  rooms ;  seats 
for  women;  laundries  for  men's  overalls  or  women's  uniforms; 
the  use  of  elevators  for  women,  and  luncheon  rooms. 

"Recreation:  The  social  hall  for  dancing- parties,  concerts, 
theatricals,  billiards,  pool  or  bowling;  the  gymnasium,  athletic 
field,  roof  garden,  vacations  and  summer  excursions  for  em- 
ployees, and  rest  rooms  or  trainmen's  rest  houses. 

"  Educational:  Classes  for  apprentices ;  in  cooking,  dress- 
making, millinery;  first  aid  to  the  injured;  night  classes  for 
technical  training;  kindergartens,  and  libraries. 

"  Housing:  Houses  rented  or  sold  to  employees,  and  board- 
ing houses. 

"  Provident  Funds:  Include  employers'  plans  for  savings  or 
lending  money  in  times  of  stress,  as  well  as  forms  of  industrial 
insurance."  ^" 

The  Employers'  Welfare  Department  was  organized  at  a 
conference  on  welfare  work,  March  16,  1904,  and  was  made 
up  then  exclusively  of  private  employers.^^^  Since  then 
public  officials  have  been  admitted  on  the  ground  that  they 
are  public  employers. ^2®  Its  purpose  has  also  changed,  as 
its  work  has  progressed  from  educating  the  public  in  the 
real  meaning  and  value  of  welfare  work,  and  urging  upon 
employers  not  engaged  in  welfare  work  their  normal  obliga- 
tion to  do  so,^^^  to  being  "  devoted  entirely  to  interesting 
employers  in  giving  especial  consideration  to  improving  the 
conditions  under  which  employees  in  all  industries  work 
and  live."^^^  "The  methods  used  are  educational,  the 
effort  being  to  prove  its  value  by  holding  up  as  good  ex- 
amples employers  who  have  successfully  introduced  welfare 


4i8         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

work  for  the  benefit  of  their  employees."  ^^^  Welfare  work 
of  different  concerns  has  been  written  up,  and  otherwise 
presented,  in  order  to  lead  other  employers  to  do  likewise, 
—  the  motto  of  this  department  has  been  emulation. *^^ 

The  Welfare  Department  has  interested  employers  in 
welfare  work  in  a  number  of  different  ways,  among  which 
have  been  by :     "  ( i )  addressing  letters  of  information  and 
inquiry  to  employers  in  fifty  different  industries;   (2)   se- 
curing the  consent  of  employers'   associations  to  arrange 
programmes  at  their  annual  meetings  on  the  welfare  work 
in  their  respective  trades,  and  (3)  asking  trade  journals  to 
collect  and  publish   illustrated  accounts  of  welfare   work 
in  the  industries  covered  by  their  periodicals."  ^^^     Further- 
more, the  Department  has  held  conferences  of  welfare  em- 
ployers and  welfare  managers  at  the  annual  meetings  of 
the  Federation  and  also  in  various  parts  of  the  country.^ ^^ 
It  has  published  and  distributed  widely,  especially  among 
private  employers,   illustrated  literature  on  welfare  work 
and  devices. ^^^     It  has  had  a  large  number  of  stereopticon 
lectures  as  well  as  other  addresses  to  be  given  in  many  cities 
on  welfare  work  in  its  various  phases. ^^^     It  has  main- 
tained a  bureau  of  exchange  in  the  offices  of  the  Federa- 
tion,   where    employers    might   obtain    descriptive   matter, 
plans  and  photographs  relating  to  betterments  in  different 
industries.^ ^^     It   has   supplied   welfare   managers   to   em- 
ployers   on    request.^  ^^     Its    experts    have    made    plans 
especially  adapted  to  the  conditions  in  the  plant  of  the  em- 
ployer  about   to    introduce   some   new    phase   of    welfare 
v.ork ;  ^^^  and  illustrated  literature  on  means  and  devices 
has  been  sent  out  to  architects  and  engineers,  so  that  wel- 
fare  devices   would   be   placed   in   the   factory   and   office 
buildings    under    construction.^*^     The    entire    thirty-fifth 
floor  of  the  Metropolitan  Tower,  New  York  City,  was  for 
a  time  devoted  to  a  permanent  welfare  exhibit  of  medals, 
photographs,  stereopticon  views,  moving  pictures  and  litera- 


The  National  Civic  Federation  419 

ture.^*^  It  has  issued  a  large  number  of  publications  on 
welfare  work.^^^  It  has  urged  that  private  employers  and 
business  associations  have  expert  welfare  committees  ap- 
pointed/^* and  that  federal,  state  and  municipal  governments 
should  have  public  welfare  committees.^ *^  It  had  a  course 
in  welfare  work  given  in  the  University  of  New  York,  in 
which  a  large  number  of  lectures  and  lecturers  were  in- 
volved.^*** It  has  published  "  Standards  for  Factory  Wash 
Room  Facilities."  ^*^  Investigations  by  the  Department 
have  been  made  in  a  number  of  industries.^*^  A  few  of 
these  investigations  may  well  be  taken  to  illustrate  more  in 
detail  the  welfare  work  of  the  Federation. 

The  Welfare  Department  has  made  investigations  of  the 
working  and  living  conditions  of  both  private  and  public 
employees.^  *^  It  investigated  welfare  work  and  child  labor 
in  the  Southern  cotton  mills,  and  reported  very  favorably 
on  labor  conditions,  housing  of  workers,  education  of 
children,  and  recreation,  but  said  that  the  hours  of  labor 
were  too  long,  and  far  too  many  children  were  found  em- 
ployed in  the  mills,  but  that  the  criticisms  of  child  labor 
in  the  South  were  gross  exaggerations,  if  not  wholly  un- 
true. It  contended  that  the  mill  owners  through  welfare 
work  were  really  doing  a  great  good  for  the  child  laborers 
—  to  quote  a  summary  given  in  the  N.  C.  F.  Review  — "  and 
credit  should  be  accorded  them  not  only  for  giving  food  and 
shelter  and  an  industrial  training  to  the  illiterate  whites 
of  the  South,  but  also  for  steadily  raising,  through  their 
welfare  work,  the  standard  of  citizenship."  ^°" 

Likewise,  it  investigated  the  department  stores  of  New 
York  City  at  the  request  and  at  the  expense  of  the  New 
York  Retail  Dry  Goods  Association.^  ^^  Special  in- 
vestigators were  sent  out  to  make  a  comparative  study  of 
one  store  which  did  considerable  welfare  work  with  an- 
other which  did  little.  The  investigation  covered  19  firms 
with  22  stores.     Each  firm  was  given  a  critical  report  of 


420         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

its  conditions  and  a  general  report.  There  were  two  sets 
of  investigations.  The  first  was  made  from  January,  191 1, 
to  January,  19 12,  and  the  second  followed  in  19 13  to  bring 
the  first  one  up  to  date  after  the  firms  had  installed  much 
of  the  recommended  welfare  work.^^^  The  report  was  pub- 
lished in  a  special  number  of  the  A^.  C.  F.  Review  in  July, 
19 1 3.  The  Department  employed  no  detectives  and  no 
secret  methods  in  its  investigation.  ^^^  Good  and  bad 
features  were  found,  and  some  exceptionally  fine  features 
were  discovered. ^^*  The  report  also  attacks  severely  as 
untrue  the  statement  that  department  stores  "  make  it  their 
business  policy  to  pay  low  wages  with  the  expectation  that 
these  will  be  increased  in  a  dishonorable  way."  ^°'  Criti- 
cisms of  the  report  by  the  Consumers'  League  and  the 
Survey  led  the  Federation  to  reply  vigorously  to  the  criti- 
cisms.^^" Finally,  it  had  one  of  the  leading  government 
statisticians  pass  upon  the  report  and  its  conclusions, 
methods  and  deductions  from  the  data  set  forth  in  the 
report,  and  he  held  that  generally  the  report  was  scientifically 
constructed. ^^'^  It  had  made  an  investigation  of  welfare 
work  in  mercantile  houses  in  New  York,  Chicago,  Kansas 
City,  San  Francisco  and  Sacramento,  in  1905,  but  the 
stores  then  chosen  were  among  the  foremost  in  welfare 
work.^^® 

In  public  employment,  the  Department  found  great  need 
for  the  installation  of  welfare  work.  It  investigated  and 
bettered  the  conditions  for  New  York  City  policemen.  In- 
vestigations were  also  made  of  federal  employees  in  factory 
and  office  buildings,  in  the  Brooklyn  Navy  Yard,  and  at 
Panama.^^^  In  the  Panama  Canal  Zone,  the  investigators 
found  many  conditions  that  were  in  serious  need  of  im- 
provement. Housing,  food,  social  life  and  regulations  af- 
fecting the  employment  of  the  workers,  were  among  the 
points  covered  in  the  investigation.  The  Americans  had 
done  much  to  better  conditions  there  after  they  came,  but 


The  National  Civic  Federation  421 

great  improvement  was  made  after  the  investigation  and 
report  were  concluded. ^^^  In  municipal  affairs,  an  investi- 
gation of  the  hospitals  of  New  York  City  revealed  intoler- 
able conditions  — "  conditions  such  as  would  not  be  toler- 
ated by  a  private  employer."  ^®^ 

These  investigations  and  reports  set  forth  matters  on 
which  a  great  many  people  have  had  almost  the  opposite 
impressions.  It  has  usually  been  assumed  that  the  evils  of 
child  labor  in  the  South  were  greater  than  its  good,  that 
low  wages  paid  by  department  stores  were  a  contributing 
cause  for  vice,  and  that  working  conditions  at  the  Panama 
Canal  were  far  better  than  at  the  ordinary  construction 
camp.  The  Federation  has  undoubtedly  corrected,  by  its  in- 
vestigations and  reports,  many  wrong  impressions  on  these 
matters.  None  of  its  reports  has  been  a  wholesale  'de- 
nunciation or  approval,  and  they  have  surely  done  much 
to  change  conditions  and  clear  up  misconceptions. 

Three  of  the  committees  of  the  Welfare  Department  have 
since  become  departments  in  themselves ;  the  committee  on 
wage-earners'  insurance, ^®^  the  committee  on  pensions,  the 
wcfmen's  committee.  As  new  departments,  their  work  is 
very  similar  to  that  while  they  were  only  committees.  Let 
us  note  briefly  their  objects  and  line  of  activity. 

The  committee  on  wage-earners'  insurance  had  for  its 
object,  "  To  promote  employers'  voluntary  relief  associa- 
tions, and  to  investigate  the  need  for  uniform  legislation 
covering  such  employers'  sick,  accident,  pension  and  death 
benefit  associations."  ^^^  As  a  department,  it  has  encouraged 
"  employers  to  start  voluntary  relief  associations,  which  in- 
clude sick  and  death  benefits  as  well  as  pensions  for  aged 
employees  in  commercial  enterprises."  ^^^  Later  its  name 
was  changed  from  Wage-Earners'  Insurance  Department 
to  Social  Insurance  Department.  A  committee  from  this 
Department  made  a  study  of  the  National  Health  Insur- 
ance Act  of  Great  Britain,^*''  and  advised  that  the  United 


422  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

States  should  wait  and  watch  how  Great  Britain's  law 
worked  out  until  time  to  test  it  had  elapsed,  and  also  stated 
that  we  had  obstacles  here  that  Great  Britain  did  not  have 
to  overcome.^ ^^  More  recently,  this  Department  has  op- 
posed compulsory  sickness  insurance,  and  has  attacked  pro- 
ponents of  such  measures  for  alleged  falsifications  in  their 
propaganda.  It  has  made  a  second  investigation  of  social 
insurance  in  foreign  countries,  and  in  general  reported  ad- 
versely. The  Department,  however,  has  recommended  that 
special  state  commissions  be  selected  to  study  sickness  in- 
surance —  the  extent  o'f  sickness,  its  cause,  prevention,  wage 
loss,  displacement,  treatment  and  care.*®'^ 

The  Department  of  Pensions  has  taken  up  the  problem  of 
pensions  for  employees  in  civil  service  and  in  private  es- 
tablishments, and  has,  among  other  things,  issued  a  book- 
let upon  "  The  Problem  of  Pensions,"  which  discusses  fed- 
eral, state,  municipal  and  industrial  old  age  pensions  in  the 
United  States  and  Canada.^®® 

The  Women's  Department,  formerly  called  the 
Women's  Welfare  Department,  is  very  similar  to  the  Wel- 
fare Department.  The  main  difference  is  in  membership. 
While  the  Welfare  Department  is  made  up  exclusively  of 
employers,  public  or  private,  "  The  Women's  Welfare  De- 
partment is  composed  largely  of  women  who  are  them- 
selves stockholders  or  who,  through  family  relationships, 
are  financially  interested  in  industrial  organizations  (includ- 
ing railroads,  mills,  factories,  mines,  stores  and  other  work 
places)  and  who,  therefore,  should  be  interested  in  the  wel- 
fare of  workers  in  enterprises  from  which  they  draw  their 
incomes;  there  are  also,  among  other  influential  members, 
the  wives  of  public  officials."  ^®^  Like  the  Welfare  Depart- 
ment, the  Women's  Department  has  carried  on  investiga- 
tions, held  conferences  and  public  discussions  of  welfare 
work,  distributed  bulletins,  and  secured  the  installation  of 
welfare  work  in  various  establishments.^'^®     A  list  of  some 


The  National  Civic  Federation  423 

of  its  committees  and  sub-committees  present,  proposed  and 
past,  will  give  some  idea  of  its  activities  in  brief. 

Among  the  committees,  sub-committees,  and  similar 
groups  that  have  been  formed  in  the  Women's  Department, 
with  their  special  work,  are  the  following:  The  committee 
on  industrial  economics  was  concerned  with  that  subject  as 
it  related  to  women  and  children,  such  as  questions  of  hours 
and  wages,  also  legislation  and  legislative  problems  such 
as  minimum-wage  laws.^^^  The  committee  on  industrial 
employees  had  sub-committees  on  cigar  factories,  garment 
trades,  stationary  firemen,  traction,  teamsters,  printers, 
and  recreation,  and  made  investigations  of  working  con- 
ditions and  recommended  ways  to  improve  bad  conditions 
in  these  trades.  ^^^  The  committee  on  government  em- 
ployees had  sub-committees  on  postal  employees,  navy  yards, 
new  buildings,  city  hospitals,  and  state  hospitals,  and  worked 
for  the  extension  of  welfare  work  among  government  em- 
ployees, federal,  state  and  municipal.^  ^^  At  one  time,  there 
was  a  congressional  section,  composed  of  the  wives  of 
senators  and  congressmen,  the  women  who  carried  on  a 
campaign  for  welfare  work  in  the  home  districts  and 
states,^ "^^  but  this  section  was  discontinued  after  a  short 
while.^^'  There  was  also  a  country-life  committee  to  study 
rural  problems,  a  vacation  committee  to  encourage  savings 
for  vacation  expenditures,  a  school  committee  ^^^  to  better 
conditions  for  teachers,^ '^'^  and  various  other  committees  and 
sub-committees  under  state  or  district  sections,  of  which 
there  have  been  a  varying  number.  Probably  the  New 
York  and  New  Jersey  Section  has  been  the  more  active. 

In  1918,  the  Women's  Department  had  eight  sections 
namely,  Public  Employment,  Housing,  Food  Production 
and  Conservation,  Responsibilities  of  Citizenship,  Public 
Health,  Prison  Reform,  Shop  and  Factory  Welfare,  and 
Legislation.  The  vacation  committee  of  this  Department 
had  been  converted  into  a  "  Vacation  Association,  Incorpor- 


424         Employers'    issociations  in  the  United  States 

ated,"  and  as  such  had  investigated  country  boarding  houses 
to  ascertain  to  which  ones  working  women  might  safely  go 
for  their  vacations.  It  further  found,  after  an  extended 
survey  "  the  astounding  fact "  that  few  employers  gave 
paid  vacations  to  their  women  employees.  It  has  established 
lodging  houses  and  club  rooms.^"^^ 

In  1920,  this  I>epartment  had  taken  up  the  consideration 
of  the  inadequacy  of  the  public  school  system  —  low  wages 
paid  to  teachers,  short  terms,  and  lack  of  standardiza- 
tion.i^» 

Through  its  committees,  sections,  etc.,  it  has  investigated 
factory  and  mill  conditions,  state  institutions,  jails  and 
prisons,  distributed  bulletins,  had  factory  towns  provide 
visiting  nurses,  studied  infant  mortality  in  a  mill  town  of 
mothers  who  worked  in  the  mills  contrasted  with  those  who 
did  not,  and  helped  to  organize  the  Society  for  the  Preven- 
tion of  Useless  Giving,  and  worked  for  its  extension  among 
the  working  girls.  ^^^  The  New  York  and  New  Jersey 
Section  studied  and  issued  a  report  on  mercurial  poisoning 
in  New  York  City  and  vicinity.^ ®^  This  Section  also  in- 
vestigated clothing  manufacturing  in  New  York  City,  and 
found  in  the  factories  some  examples  of  fine  welfare  work 
with  conditions  generally  good,  but,  in  the  tenant  factories 
and  tenement  houses,  some  deplorable  conditions.^ ®^  A  re- 
cent summary  of  the  work  of  the  Women's  Department 
states  that, 

"  Emergency  work  for  the  unemployed  here  and  relief  for 
injured  soldiers  in  the  European  War;  stimulation  of  savings 
funds  and  recreation  resources ;  the  passage  of  a  law  as  the 
dying  request  of  its  honorary  chairman,  Ellen  Wilson  [the 
former  Mrs.  Woodrow  Wilson],  to  secure  the  abolishment  of 
the  unhealthf ul  alley  tenements  in  Washington ;  improvements 
in  conditions  of  industrial  and  government  employees;  prison 
reforms  and  efforts  for  rural  improvements  in  agricultural 
communities  are  cases  of  its  endeavors."  ^*' 


The  National  Civic  Federation  425 

In  the  latter  part  of  1920,  a  Housing  Committee  presented 
a  plan  to  meet  the  national  housing  problem.  This  plan 
attempted  to  embody  certain  advantages,  namely,  to  be 
"  generally  practicable,  devoid  of  classism,  non-socialistic 
in  character,  economically  feasible,  adaptable  for  urban  and 
suburban  needs,  interesting  to  the  essential  interests,  i.  e., 
private  and  institutional  investors  and  bankers,  not  burden- 
some to  the  Federal  Government,"  or  the  government  of 
any  state.  The  outstanding  feature  of  the  plan  was  the 
proposal  for  a  government  guaranty  of  the  bond  issues, 
a  scheme  somewhat  similar  to  that  embodied  in  the  Cum- 
mins' Federal  Railroad  Act  of  1920.^** 

Propaganda. —  In  its  propaganda,  the  Federation  does 
not  differ  greatly  in  a  general  way  from  other  associations, 
such  as  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers.  The 
methods  are  not  essentially  dissimilar  except  as  to  details. 
The  difference  in  attitude  of  the  two  associations  towards 
unionism  perhaps  explains  the  distinctive  development  of 
each.  Accordingly,  we  shall  emphasize  the  distinctive  fea- 
tures of  the  Federation's  propaganda  rather  than  try  to 
cover  the  whole  field  in  detail. 

A  study  of  the  Federation's  propaganda  may  be  made 
under  the  following  heads :  campaigning  for  members,  dis- 
cussions, investigations,  publications,  lectures  and  exhibits, 
department  of  immigration,  department  of  industrial 
economics,  study  of  revolutionary  movements,  attacking 
socialism,  and  defending  the  unions. 

In  the  beginning,  the  Federation  planned  to  carry  on  an 
extensive  campaign  for  members  by  means  of  a  department 
of  organization,  as  this  quotation  will  show: 

"  The  Department  of  Organization  devises  and  carries  into 
effect  plans  for  extending  the  membership  in  each  of  the  groups 
of  the  National  Civic  Federation.  For  this  purpose  it  proposes 
to  establish  seven  centres  in  the  United  States  —  at  Boston, 
New  York,  Pittsburg,  Chicago,  Denver,  San  Francisco,  and 


426         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

New  Orleans.  At  each  of  these  centres  there  will  be  employed 
a  secretary  and  a  salaried  office  staff.  Local  Conciliation  Com- 
mittees will  be  formed  in  every  city  of  importance  within  the 
territory  covered  by  each  of  the  seven  centres."  ^*^ 

But  the  effort  failed,  and  members  are  now  secured  by  per- 
sonal appeal  of  old  members  and  officers,  and  by  the  gen- 
eral propaganda  of  the  N,  C.  F. 

With  the  widening  of  the  struggle,  the  propaganda  of 
employers'  associations  tends  to  grow  as  the  organizations 
meet  the  growing  complexity  of  the  problem.  The  Fed- 
eration in  its  development  has  followed  the  rule.  From 
trying  to  prevent  or  settle  controversies  directly,  it  began 
to  "  look  beyond  the  strained  relationships  to  the  causes 
which  induced  them.  Inquiry,  discussion,  education  are  im- 
portant factors  in  the  settlement  of  vexatious  problems, 
which  are  sociological  as  well  as  industrial;  and  this  new 
departure  in  the  work  of  the  organization  admits  of  a 
broader  conception  of  the  possibilities  and  opportunities  af- 
forded by  intelligent  review,  research  and  agitation."  ^*® 
"  All  the  educational  activities  of  the  National  Civic  Fed- 
eration recognize  the  proposition  that  its  fundamental  work 
is  not  merely  the  prevention  or  settlement  of  strikes  and 
lockouts.  Its  deeper  work  reaches  to  the  underlying  causes 
of  industrial  disturbances."  ^^'^ 

Discussions  and  Conferences. —  The  discussions  of  the 
Federation  have  taken  on  the  form  of  conferences  at  the 
annual  meetings,  and  by  the  various  departments  then  and 
at  other  times  and  in  different  cities.  "  The  annual  con- 
ferences are  devoted  to  the  public  discussion  of  such  practi- 
cal topics  as  *  Trade  Agreements,'  '  Wages  and  Cost  of  Liv- 
ing,' 'The  Shorter  Work-Day,'  'The  Open  and  Closed 
Shop,'  '  The  Minimum  Wage,'  *  Restriction  of  Output,' 
'  Piece-Work  and  Day- Work,'  '  Arbitration,'  '  Apprentices,' 
*  Introduction  of  Machinery,'  etc.  The  practical  value  of 
these  discussions   arises   from  the  participation  of  actual 


The  National  Civic  Federation  427 

employers  and  labor  leaders,  as  well  as  economists,  each  of 
whom  learns  the  others'  points  of  view."  ^"  The  annual  con- 
ferences have  been  held  in  New  York,  Chicago,  or  Wash- 
ington. The  general  subjects  of  the  conferences  have  been 
industrial  peace  for  the  first  five  conferences,  then  immigra- 
tion, child  labor,  government  by  injunction,  trade  agree- 
ments, workmen's  compensation  and  accident  prevention, 
social  insurance,  old-age  pensions,  profit  sharing,  reform 
in  legal  procedure,  industrial  mediation  laws,  and  "  shop 
industrial  training."  ^®*  A  special  conference  was  held  in 
Washington,  D.  C.,  in  1910  on  uniform  state  laws.^^®  In 
addition,  a  great  many  conferences  have  been  held  by  the 
various  departments,  sometimes  at  the  annual  meetings, 
other  times  in  cities  throughout  the  United  States.*  A 
local  conference  that  caused  considerable  comment  was 
the  one  between  capital  and  labor,  held  at  Mrs.  Potter 
Palmer's  residence  in  Chicago  in  1907.^®^ 

Investigations  and  Reports, —  Out  of  the  conferences 
have  grown  investigations,  since  the  discussions  brought 
out  conflicting  statements  as  to  facts  or  conclusions  drawn 
from  the  facts.^^*  Investigations  were,  accordingly  under- 
taken by  a  department,  commission  or  committee  of  the 
Federation.  Among  these  have  been  investigations  on 
workmen's  compensation  laws,  published  in  a  report  en- 
titled "  Workmen's  Compensation  "  ;  ^^^  q^  minimum-wage 
legislation,  embodied  in  a  report,  "  Minimum  Wage  by 
Law  " ;  on  working  conditions  in  the  garment  trades  of 
New  York,  and  reported  on  in  "  Welfare  Work,  Clothing 
Manufacturing,  New  York  City  "  ;^®'  on  old-age  pensions, 
with  a  report  entitled,  "The  Problem  of  Pensions";  on 

*  Perhaps  the  most  pointed  criticism  of  the  conferences  of  the  Fed- 
eration was  unconsciously  given  in  its  own  statement  [in  the  National 
Civic  Federation  Review  (D(2o)'i8,  p.  i),  in  reference  to  the  fact  that 
few  meetings  of  the  Federation  had  been  held  in  the  latter  half  of  the 
year  1917,  and  in  the  year  1918]  that,  "  The  Executive  Committee  felt 
that  it  was  a  time  for  action  rather  than  conference." 


428         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

•profit  sharing,  in  a  first,  and  a  second,  expanded  and  re- 
vised, edition  of  "  American  Employers'  Profit  Sharing 
Plans  ";  ^®2  Qjj  welfare  work  in  the  best  types  of  department 
stores  in  the  United  States,  in  "  Welfare  Work  in  Mer- 
cantile Houses  ";  ^^^  welfare  work  in  the  department  stores 
of  New  York  City —  two  investigations  —  reported  upon 
under  this  name;^*^^  on  immigration  problems,  in  "Facts 
on  Immigration  " ;  on  Great  Britain's  Health  Insurance  Act, 
in  a  report  similarly  named;  ^®^  on  child  labor  in  the 
southern  cotton  mills;  on  government  by  injunction;  ^®^  on 
sickness  insurance,  by  the  Sickness  Insurance  Committee  on 
Preliminary  Foreign  Inquiry,  and  set  forth  in  two  reports; 
and  on  amendment  of  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Act,  in 
which  investigation  20,000  questionnaires  were  sent  out 
to  prominent  people  generally. ^^^  It  also  had  a  Commis- 
sion on  Foreign  Inquiry  which  embodied  the  results  of  its 
investigations  in  a  book  on  "  The  Labor  Situation  in  Great 
Britain  and  France."  ^^^ 

Lecture  Bureau. —  Closely  connected  with  its  public  dis- 
cussions, is  its  series  of  lectures  which  were  given  through- 
out the  country  a  few  years  ago.  The  N.  C.  F.  organized 
a  Public  Lecture  Bureau  in  1907,  when  the  following  state- 
ment was  issued  with  reference  to  it : 

"  Its  purpose  is  to  present  to  the  public  different  views  on 
important  national  questions  by  the  best  writers  and  speakers 
available,  including  prominent  employers,  financiers,  university 
presidents,  publicists,  economists,  representatives  of  the  church, 
bar,  labor  organizations,  etc.  Addresses  on  a  number  of  social 
and  industrial  topics  have  already  been  given  under  the  auspices 
of  this  Bureau  in  a  number  of  the  large  cities,  including  among 
others,  New  York,  Boston,  Chicago,  Philadelphia,  Providence, 
Cleveland,  and  leading  cities  of  the  South;  and  at  the  present 
time  arrangements  are  being  made  to  increase  the  scope  of  the 
work  by  having  prominent  speakers  deliver  addresses  on  live 
questions  in  practically  every  large  city.  With  the  co-operation 
of  the  press  of  the  country,  which  has  given  considerable  space 


The  National  Civic  Federation  429 

to  the  lectures  delivered  so  far,  a  most  importa:nt  educational 
work  is  being  accomplished.  *  Among  the  prominent  speakers 
so  far  engaged  by  the  Bureau  is  Mr.  VV.  H.  Mallock  of  England, 
who  recently  delivered  a  series  of  lectures  at  the  leading  uni- 
versities of  the  country  on  *  Socialism.'  The  speakers  who  are 
to  follow  Mr.  Mallock  will  appear  before  commercial,  religious, 
labor  and  educational  organizations  and  institutions."  ^'* 

Officers  of  the  welfare,  industrial  economics  and  immigra- 
tion departments  delivered  a  considerable  number  of 
lectures  during  1906-07.^*®  Except  for  the  Welfare  De- 
partment, most  of  the  lecturing  activity  has  declined  in 
recent  years. 

Publications. —  In  addition  to  the  reports  noted  above, 
the  Federation  has  issued  intermittently  pamphlets,  leaflets, 
books  and  a  periodical.  The  published  reports  of  the  an- 
nual meetings  are  of  book  size,  and  with  the  National  Civic 
Federation  Review,  constitute  the  greater  bulk  of  the 
propaganda  publications. 

The  National  Ciznc  Federation  Review  is  issued  very 
irregularly,  due  to  the  use  of  funds  at  one  time  largely  for 
the  Review,  at  other  times  for  pamphlets  and  books.  The 
Federation  had  intended  the  Review  to  have  a  very  im- 
portant place  in  the  "  education  "of  the  public,  as  the  fol- 
lowing quotations  will  show : 

"  The  monthly  Review  of  the  National  Civic  Federation 
has  a  mailing  list  of  about  50,000,  which  is  steadily  increasing. 
It  is  sent  to  labor  leaders,  employers,  and  others  professionally 
in  touch  with  public  opinion,  such  as  preachers,  editors,  lawyers, 
and  publicists.  With  unrivalled  facilities  for  obtaining  data 
as  to  the  causes  and  treatment  of  industrial  disturbances ;  with 
articles  contributed  by  economic  scholars,  industrial  experts 
and  hard-headed  men  of  affairs,  with  -the  sources  at  its  com- 
mand of  all  important  industrial  news.  The  Review  has  become 
an  effective  educational  agency,"  ^°° 

"  The  chief  mission  of  the  National  Civic  Federation  being 
educational,  it  presents  accounts  of  much  of  its  work  in  a 


430         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

monthly  periodical  entitled  The  National  Civic  Federation  Re- 
view. This  publication  is  sent'to  the  principal  libraries  and 
educational  institutions  of  every  country ;  to  the  executive  and 
departmental  officials  of  every  nation ;  to  the  headquarters  of 
all  professional,  literary  and  scientific  societies;  to  organiza- 
tions, both  national  and  local,  of  employers  and  employees ;  and 
to  thousands  of  editors,  clergymen,  educators  and  other  leaders 
of  thought  in  the  professions,  commerce,  finance  and  industry. 
The  Review  has  become  a  far-reaching  educational  force  in 
the  elucidation  of  many  great  public  questions." 


201 


The  first  statement  was  made  in  1904,  and  the  second  in 
1907.  Enthusiasm  was  high  then.  In  190S'  and  1909, 
however,  there  were  only  three  issues  each  year,  only  one 
each  for  the  years  191 1  and  1912;  only  two  each  for  1910, 
1913,  1914,  and  1918;  and  none  for  1915,  1916,  and  1917. 
In  1 9 19  and  1920  issues  were  frequent,  averaging  one  a 
month  for  19 19,  and  about  half  that  average  for  1920. 

Most  of  the  subjects  frequently  discussed  in  the  Review 
are  along  the  lines  of  the  conferences,  reports  of  investiga- 
tions, and  comments  thereon.  The  more  prominent  excep- 
tions will  be  noted  later  on. 

A  Press  Service  is  now  attempting  to  serve,  in  part,  the 
function  once  performed  by  the  Review  in  reaching  the 
editors  and  through  them  the  public.  Press  sheets  have 
been  sent  out  by  the  Federation,  and  it  has  thus  had  its 
propaganda  extended  through  the  space  given  these  by  the 
newspapers  of  the  country. ^^^ 

Among  the  numerous  leaflets  and  pamphlets  issued 
by  the  Federation  are  the  following :  "  The  Present  Activi- 
ties of  the  National  Civic  Federation,"  "  Welfare  Work  — 
i^ddress  of  Herbert  H.  Vreeland,"  "  Vast  Welfare  Activi- 
ties Under  Way,"  "  Welfare  Department,  The  National 
Civic  Federation,"  "  Department  on  Welfare  Work  of  the 
National  Civic  Federation,"  "  Address  of  President  Seth 
Low,    December    11,  1913,"    also  of    December   4,    1914. 


The  National  Civic  Federation  431 

"The  National  Civic  Federation;  Its  Methods  and  Its  Aim, 
Education,  Conciliation,  Industrial  Peace,  What  It  Has 
Done,  What  It  Is  Doing,  What  It  Hopes  To  Do,"  "  Present 
Activities  The  National  Civic  Federation,"  "  The  Work 
of  the  National  Civic  Federation."  "  Socialism  and  The 
National  Civic  Federation,"  "  SociaHsm  and  War,"  "  The 
Social  Problem  as  Seen  from  the  Viewpoint  of  Trade 
Unionism,  Capital  and  Socialism,"  "  Socialism  as  an 
Incubus  on  the  American  Labor  Movement,"  "  Germany's 
Most  Successful  Hoax,"  "  A  Refutation  of  False  State- 
ments in  Propaganda  for  Compulsory  Health  Insurance," 
"  After-the-War  Problems,"  "  Compulsory  Sickness  Insur- 
ance," "  Compulsory  Health  Insurance,"  "  Addresses  .  .  . 
on  the  British  Labor  Party's  Program  of  Reconstruction," 
and  leaflets  on  the  Federation  of  various  dates,  and  on  the 
several  departments.^^ ^ 

All  of  the  departments  previously  studied  have  been 
chiefly  engaged  in  propaganda  work,  but  there  is  one  de- 
partment which  is  pre-eminently  a  propaganda  organiza- 
tion, the  Department  of  Industrial  Economics.  Another 
department  wJiich  has  not  previously  been  considered  at 
length  herein  —  the  Department  of  Immigration  —  was  also 
of  a  propaganda  character.  A  statement  of  the  objects  and 
activities  of  this  Department,  given  here,  points  out  that 
investigation,  discussion  and  reports  formed  the  great  part 
of  its  work: 2^* 

"  The  Department  of  Immigration  is  composed  of  more  than 
two  hundred  representative  men  from  all  classes  and  sections. 
Its  purpose  is  the  investigation  of  all  important  phases  of  the 
immigration  problem,  the  Department  being  organized  into 
seven  distinct  committees  comprising  Committees  on  Basal 
Statistics,  Supply  and  Demand,  Legislation  and  Its  Enforce- 
ment, Naturalization,  Agencies  for  Advancing  the  Welfare  of 
Immigrants,  International  Relations,  and  Oriental  Immigration. 
The  result  of  the  work  of  these  different  committees  is  to  be 


433         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

reported  to  the  Department  through  its  Executive  Committee 
for  final  action. 

"  This  Department  was  organized  at  the  request  of  the 
National  Immigration  Conference  held  in  New  York  City, 
December  6-8,  1905,  this  conference  being  attended  by  more 
than  five  hundred  delegates  appointed  by  Governors  of  States, 
leading  commercial,  agricultural,  manufacturing,  labor  and 
economic  organizations,  and  by  prominent  ecclesiastical  and 
educational  institutions. 

"  Some  phases  of  the  immigration  problem  with  which  the 
Department  will  deal  include  such  subjects  as  the  character  of 
immigration,  assimilation  of  the  immigrant  into  American  na- 
tional life,  the  necessity  for  further  restrictions,  the  administra- 
tion of  immigration  laws,  the  effect  of  immigration  upon  our 
industrial,  political  and  broad  social  life ;  the  part  played  by 
the  steamship  companies,  causes  of  European  immigration, 
European  inspection  and  examination,  proportion  of  immi- 
grants who  become  criminal,  insane  and  charitable  dependents ; 
the  effects  of  immigration  upon  the  native  birth-rate,  the  selec- 
tion of  immigrants,  naturaUzation,  Asiatic  immigration,  etc."  ^°^ 

The  Department  of  Industrial  Economics  has  actively 

engaged  in  propaganda  through  discussions,  investigations, 
reports,  and  other  publications.  It  has  undertaken  a 
survey  of  social  and  industrial  conditions,  a  very  ambitious 
effort  to  find  out  all  the  good  and  the  bad  in  our  present 
industrial  system. ^^^  In  this  Department,  all  the  scattered 
propaganda  activities  of  the  Federation  have  been  gathered. 

This  Department  "is  composed  of  leading  economists, 
including  the  heads  of  the  departments  of  political  economy 
in  universities,  lecturers  and  economic  and  legal  authors; 
editors  of  the  daily  press,  of  politico-social  magazines,  of 
trade  papers  and  of  labor  journals;  representatives  of  the 
pulpit ;  large  employers,  and  representatives  of  labor."  ^°'' 

The  Department  of  Industrial  Economics  was  organized 
December  15,  1904,  "to  give  instruction  to  the  public  .  .  . 
as  to  the  facts  of  industrial  strife,  ...  to  be  the  means  of 


The  National  Civic  Federation  433 

giving  great  publicity  to  all  the  elements  of  industrial 
strife,  ...  a  strong  means  for  a  just  and  rational  pub- 
licity, .  .  .  the  means  of  educating  public  opinion  in  the 
reasoning  of  the  trade  union  on  the  one  hand  and  of  the  em- 
ployers' association  on  the  other."  ^* 

In  accordance  with  its  aim  "  to  promote  discussion  of 
practical  economic  problems,"  the  Department  began  the 
discussion  of  many  of  the  vital  and  frequently  irritating 
questions  that  arose  in  the  Conciliation  Department  in  con- 
nection with  the  attempted  prevention  or  settlement  of  con- 
troversies. Among  these  have  been  "  Wages  and  Cost  of 
Living,"  "  The  Shorter  Work  Day,"  "  Government  by  In- 
junction," "  The  Boycott,'  "  The  Right  to  Strike,"  "  The 
Union  Versus  the  Non-Union  Shop,"  "  Restriction  of  Out- 
put," "  The  Ratio  of  Apprentices,"  "  The  Minimum  Wage," 
"  Piece  Work  Versus  Day  Work,"  "  Compulsory  Arbitra- 
tion," "  Scientific  Management,"  "  Individual  Liberty,"  and 
"  Socialism."  209 

Its  social  and  industrial  survey  was  anticipated  in  1909 
by  the  Department  when  it  began  the  study  of  three  general 
subjects : 

First  — "  In  its  fundamental  principle,  is  our  government  rep- 
resentative or  democratic  ?  " 

Second  — "  Has  any  portion  of  society  the  right  to  use  its 
combined  purchasing  power  for  its  own  benefit,  and  if  so,  in 
what  manner  and  to  what  extent  ?  " 

Third  — "  The  menace  of  Socialism  to  American  institu- 
tions." "0 

The  first  question  involved  a  "  consideration  of  direct 
nominations;  the  initiative  and  referendum;  imperial 
mandate  and  recall;  direct  election  of  judges  and  of  the 
United  States  Senators;  abolition  of  the  executive  power 
of  veto;  and  an  amendment  of  the  Constitution  by  a 
majority  vote."     The  second  embraced  the  "  consideration 


434         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

of  the  first  and  secondary  boycott;  the  white  list,  the  union 
label;  co-operative  purchasing,  etc.,  etc."  ^^*^  Clearly  the 
Department  was  greatly  widening  its  fields  of  investigation. 

In  19 14,  this  Department  began  its  social  and  industrial 
survey  of  the  progress  in  our  national  life  within  the  past 
thirty  years. ^"  "  The  object  of  the  survey  is  to  summarize 
the  changes  in  our  national  life  and  to  gather  together  the 
essential  material  from  which  to  judge  where  there  has 
been  an  advance  in  well-being,  where  there  has  been  a  loss, 
and  how  far  in  the  aggregate  gains  and  losses  balance  or 
outweigh  one  another."  ^^^  "  It  deals  with  the  ceaseless 
criticism  of  existing  institutions,  takes  up  the  question  of  the 
unrest,  and  summarizes  the  remarkable  developments  during 
the  last  few  decades."  ^^^ 

The  main  divisions  of  the  inquiry,  as  originally  planned, 
were  (i)  labor  conditions,  (2)  employers'  welfare  work, 
(3)  child  welfare  [also  named  child  labor],  (4)  agricul- 
tural conditions,  (5)  housing  conditions  [also  named  tene- 
ment-house conditions],  (6)  immigration,  (7)  collective 
bargaining  and  methods  of  mediation  and  arbitration,  (8) 
educational  opportunities,  (9)  organized  social  service 
[also  named  efficiency  of  organized  social  service],  (10) 
distribution  of  ownership  in  investments,  (11)  free  speech 
and  right  of  assembly  [also  named  free  speech  and  public 
assembly],  (12)  business  ethics,  (13)  political  ethics,  (14) 
the  church's  influence  on  social  and  economic  progress  [also 
called  institutional  church  work],  (15)  municipal  govern- 
ment, (16)  judicial  procedure,  (17)  public  health,  (18)  en- 
forcement of  law  and  order,  ( 19)  penal  and  correctional 
institutions,  (20)  industrial  profit  sharing,  (21)  social  in- 
surance, (22)  workmen's  compensation,  (23)  industrial 
loans  and  savings,  (24)  foods  and  drugs,  (25)  division  of 
people's  income  [also  listed  as  theory  of  surplus  value], 
and  (26)  the  minimum  wage.^**  In  1916  only  eight  of 
these  were  reported  upon  in  a  preliminary  reoort.     Of  the 


The  National  Civic  Federation  435 

eight,  only  three  may  be  said  to  have  a  close  relation  to  labor 
problems,  namely,  labor  conditions,  employers'  welfare 
work,  and  housing  conditions.  A  report  was  later  issued 
on  the  division  of  people's  income,  or  theory  of  surplus 
value.  The  scope  of  all  of  the  divisions  may  well  be  illus- 
trated by  two  examples  from  the  entire  list,  labor  condi- 
tions and  division  of  people's   income. 

Under  labor  conditions,  the  questions  to  be  considered 
were : 

"  How  do  wages,  hours  of  labor  and  the  physical  conditione 
of  the  factory  and  home,  compare  with  those  of  thirty  years 
ago?  Have  the  work  of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor, 
the  Railway  Brotherhoods  and  the  social  reform  organizations 
and  the  legislation  secured  by  them,  prohibiting  child  labor  and 
regulating  conditions  in  factories,  mercantile  establishments, 
mines,  bakeries,  tenement  houses  and  sweat  shops,  really  bene- 
fitted the  wage- working  men,  women  and  children  of  this 
country?  ""5 

Under  the  division  of  people's  income,  as  stated  under 
that  head,  came  the  following  question :  "  What  changes 
have  taken  place  in  the  proportionate  return  to  labor  and 
capital  in  the  gross  earnings  of  industry?  "  ^^^  Under  the 
heading  of  theory  of  surplus  value,  this  additional  question 
was  to  be  considered,  "  Does  the  difference  between  labor 
cost  and  selling  price  represent  employer's  profit?  "^^'^ 

It  is  partly  in  the  fields  of  these  two  divisions  that  the 
Federation  has  been  very  active  as  a  propagandist — de- 
fending trade  unionism  in  the  United  States,  and  attacking 
Socialism 

Defending  the  A.  F.  of  L. —  The  Federation  has  de- 
fended the  American  Federation  of  Labor  and  its  president, 
Samuel  Gompers;  also  the  railway  brotherhoods.^^*  The 
N.  C.  F.  Review  has  printed  an  article  that  states  that  al- 
though there  has  been  lawlessness  carried  on  under  the 


436         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

cloak  of  unionism,  the  advantages  of  unions  over  no  unions 
are  greater.^^®  The  bad  element  in  the  unions  is  condemned 
and  so  are  certain  strikes,  for  example,  another  article  in 
the  N.  C.  F.  Review  characterized  the  teamsters'  strike  in 
Chicago  as  "  The  wanton,  inhuman  indefensible  Chicago 
strike,"  and  another  union  was  extolled  for  lecturing  the 
Chicago  striking  teamsters. ^^^  But,  it  was  pointed  out 
editorially  in  the  A''.  C.  F.  Reznew  that  in  specific  strikes, 
for  instance,  the  miners'  strike  in  the  coal  fields,  that  the 
days  lost  by  the  strike  were  no  greater  than  the  summer 
layoff  would  have  been  if  there  had  been  no  strike,  and 
that  the  unions  made  an  actual  gain  in  wages.^^^  The  Fed- 
eration, however,  argues  against  sympathetic  strikes  and 
for  the  sacredness  of  contracts.^^^  Former  President  Low 
said  that  "  The  great  body  of  organized  labor  movement 
in  the  United  States,  as  represented  by  the  American  Fed- 
eration of  Labor,  is  conservative  in  its  methods  and  believes 
in  evolution  rather  than  revolution."  ^^^  He  also  defended 
Samuel  Gompers  in  general  and  apologized  for  him  in  the 
specific  case  of  the  McNamaras.^^*  Also  The  Review 
exonerated  Gompers  of  the  charges  of  having  trampled  upon 
the  flag,^^^  or  of  having  been  drunk  at  the  Seattle  conven- 
tion of  the  A.  F,  of  L.^^*  Gompers  was  also  upheld  for  his 
attack  upon  the  issuance  of  injunctions  by  the  courts  and 
his  attempt  to  have  the  practice  modified. ^^'^  The  N.  C.  F. 
Review  published  excerpts  from  letters  of  Gompers  and 
stated  that  he  gave  sound  advice.^^^  His  political  action 
was  likened  to  that  of  the  Chicago  Municipal  Voters' 
League,  also  to  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers, 
but  no  analysis  of  the  underlying  motives  was  made  in  each 
case.^^®  Low  also  defended  the  unions'  attitude  towards 
apprentices,  and  attacked  the  employer's  use  of  apprentices 
in  any  class  of  work  to  displace  skilled  workers. ^^°  The  Fed- 
eration has  condemned  the  movement  to  smash  the  unions, 
especially  by  the  anti-union  associations,^^^  and  has  pointed 


The  National  Civic  Federation  437 

out  that  the  smashing  of  the  unions  has  led  to  the  develop- 
ment of  a  powerful  Socialist  party  in  Australia. ^^^  It 
has  defended  the  unions'  regulation  of  output  and  wages, 
on  the  ground  that  such  regulation  was  to  prevent  destruc- 
tive competition,  just  as  trade  associations  regulated  output 
and  prices.^^^  It  has  attacked  the  statement  that  the  work- 
ers are  only  ten  per  cent  organized.  In  turn,  the  Fed- 
eration has  been  defended  by  Gompers  and  other  labor 
ofificials.^^'* 

Attacking  Socialism  and  Revolutionary  Movements. 
—  The  Federation  has  made  a  strong  assault  upon  Social- 
ism. It  has  done  this  indirectly  by  its  efforts  to  better  work- 
ing and  living  conditions  for  the  working  class  —  and  this 
has  probably  been  its  most  effective  way.  Directly,  it  has 
made  an  attack  upon  the  aims  and  methods  of  the  social- 
ists. It  has  been  "  endeavoring  in  every  proper  way  to 
counteract  that  propaganda,  .  .  .  [and]  to  show  the  fallacy 
of  Socialism."  ^^^ 

Its  aim  in  doing  this  is  to  prevent  a  great  industrial  war, 
such  as  it  believes  the  socialists  and  the  association  leaders 
of  the  Parry  type,  unhampered,  would  cause,  for, 

"  Obviously,  if  these  radicals  on  both  sides  were  to  have 
their  way,  a  revolution  would  be  precipitated  that  could  only 
result  in  the  absolute  control  of  all  industry,  either  by  despotic 
capital,  or  by  despotic  labor,  or  by  the  State."  ^'" 

The  Federation  has  opposed  Socialism  by  means  of  public 
addresses.  The  Federation  invited  W.  H,  Mallock  of  Eng- 
land, to  lecture  before  the  universities  of  the  United  States, 
presumably  to  offset  the  activities  of  the  Intercollegiate  So- 
cialist Society.^  ^'^  Its  own  officials  have,  on  occasions,  con- 
demned Socialism.^^* 

A  number  of  booklets  have  been  issued  by  the  Federa- 
tion, in  which  Socialism  was  attacked. ^^®  Mallock's 
lectures  before  the  universities  of  the  United  States  were 


438         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

published  in  book  form  under  the  title,  "  Socialism,"  and 
distributed  widely  by  the  Federation.^^*'  A  long  letter  of 
Easley's  in  reply  to  one  from  Morris  Hillquit,  was  published 
in  booklet  form,  also  in  the  N.  C.  F.  Review.^^^  This 
booklet  was  entitled  "  Socialism  and  the  National  Civic  Fed- 
eration," and  it  defended  strongly  the  work  of  the  Federa- 
tion, and  attacked  vigorously  the  methods  and  doctrines 
of  Socialism.  This  attack  was  summarized  in  an  oft-re- 
peated quotation  from  Gompers  to  the  effect  that  the 
socialists  are  economically  unsound,  socially  wrong,  and  in- 
dustrially an  impossibility.^^^  Easley  wrote  another  book- 
let, "  Socialism  and  War,"  in  which  he  proved  that  the 
socialists  are  not  real  pacifists,  that  they  are  opposed  to 
capitalist  wars  but  not  to  war  on  the  capitalists,  that  they 
"  are  now  against  armies  and  navies  and  battleships  and 
forts,  and  all  the  other  panoply  of  war,  because  they  do  not 
want  to  have  to  meet  those  armies  and  navies  when  they 
undertake  to  confiscate  the  property  of  the  world  and  take 
over  the  governments  to  themselves."  ^^^  It  issued  a  leaflet 
on  "  SociaHsm,  Prussianism  and  the  Stockholm  Confer- 
ence." ^^^  Under  the  title  "  The  Social  Problem  as  Seen  from 
the  Viewpoint  of  Trade  Unionism,  Capital  and  Socialism," 
the  Federation  issued  a  booklet  made  up  of  open  letters  be- 
tween Upton  Sinclair  and  Vincent  Astor  in  a  correspondence 
debate,  with  letters  from  some  unionists  appended. 

The  National  Civic  Federation  Reznew  has  contained  a 
large  number  of  articles  attacking  Socialism.  It  published 
a  letter  of  some  length  from  a  labor  official  replying  to 
William  Dean  Howells  on  Socialism.^^^  Another  article 
was  a  condemnation  by  David  Goldstein  and  Mrs.  Martha 
Moore  Avery  of  socialists  for  their  methods,  philosophy, 
etc."®  It  quoted  from  a  book,  "  Problems  of  To-day,"  by 
Andrew  Carnegie  to  show  "  Socialism's  menace  to  the 
family."  ^^"^  From  time  to  time,  the  N.  C.  F.  Revieiv  has 
condemned  the  socialists  for  garbling  Lincoln's  speeches  to 


The  National  Civic  Federation  439 

show  that  he  believed  in  Socialism ;  ^^^  for  attempting  to 
imdermine  the  army  and  navy  by  making  mutiny  a  virtue 
and  desertion  heroic ;  ^'*"  and  for  trying  to  prevent  reform 
in  the  hope  that  things  will  ultimately  become  so  bad  that 
there  will  be  a  revolution.^^^  It  has  likewise  censured  the 
socialists  for  preaching  the  Marxian  doctrine  of  increas- 
ing misery.^ ^^  It  denounced  the  socialists  for  their  at- 
tempts to  destroy  the  unions,  at  first  directly,  and  when  that 
failed,  by  indirection,  in  trying  to  capture  them  by  a  "  bor- 
ing-from-within  policy.  It  published  a  "  stinging  rebuke 
for  socialist  intrigues,"  ^^°  "  for  the  baleful  influence  exerted 
by  socialists  in  the  ranks  of  organized  labor  and  their  con- 
stant intriguing  against  labor  officials  who  decline  to  sub- 
scribe to  their  disloyal  -creed."  ^'^  It  scored  the  Western 
'Federation  of  Miners  for  being  socialistic  and  opposing 
trade-union  principles.^^^  It  rejoiced  over  the  Socialist  re- 
pulse at  the  Atlantic  City  Convention  of  the  A.  F,  of  L., 
where  a  resolution  was  offered  by  the  socialists  demanding 
that  the  officials  and  members  of  the  A.  F.  of  L.  resign  from 
the  N.  C.  F.^^*  It  republished  from  the  American  Federa- 
tionist  an  attack  upon  the  socialists  and  C.  W.  Post  and 
John  Kirby,  Jr. —  anti-union  association  leaders  —  in  which 
the  socialists  are  condemned  for  their  "  perverted  intellect, 
and  contemptible,  envious,  insincere,  and  malicious  com- 
ments upon  the  annual  dinner  of  the  N.  C.  F."  ^^^  It  has 
pointed  out  that  "  the  two  irreconcilable  foes  of  the  Na- 
tional Civic  Federation "  are  the  "  anti-union  employers 
and  revolutionary  socialists,"  who  "  oppose  the  Federa- 
tion's program  for  industrial  peace."  It  printed  in  parallel 
columns  the  attacks  on  the  N.  C.  F.  by  the  socialists  and 
the  anti-union  associations  to  show  how  similar  these  at- 
tacks from  the  two  extremists  were.^^^  In  recent  months, 
the  Review  and  other  publications  of  the  Federation  have 
been  filled  with  strong  denunciations  of  socialists  for  al- 
leged pro-German   and   Bolshevik   attitude   and   activities. 


440         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Among  the  groups  and  organizations  denounced  were  the 
Rand  School,  the  New  School  for  Social  Research,  the 
Church  Socialist  League,  the  American  Civil  Liberties 
League,  and  all  those  whose  teachings  might  tend  to  produce 
revolution,  especially  the  preachers  and  professors.  Shop- 
committee  plans  have  likewise  been  condemned  as  a  scheme 
favored  by  the  Bolshevists  to  establish  soviets.^^' 

Thus,  while  the  National  Civic  Federation  is  very  friendly 
to  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  it  is  distinctly  militant 
to  all  organizations  tainted  with  Socialism.^^^  It  de- 
nounced and  belittled  the  Industrial  Workers  of  the 
World ;^^*  condemned  socialist  Sunday  schools;"®  and 
attacked  Christian  Socialism  as  inconsistent,  on  the 
grounds  that  its  aims  and  scope  were  identical  with  those 
of  international  socialism,  and  its  theories  unsupported  by 
Christian  authority,^^"  The  N.  C.  F.  has  characterized 
the  Rand  School  of  Social  Science  as  a  socialist  school  where 
revolutionary  doctrines  were  taught,  American  patriotism 
ridiculed,  and  the  gospel  of  despair  for  young  men  and 
women  preached.^® ^  It  charged  the  Progressive  Journal  of 
Education  with  publishing  the  gospel  of  despair  for  teachers 
and  children.^®^  It  lamented  the  publication  and  distribu- 
tion of  a  "  Socialist  Primer,"  as  a  spreader  of  class 
hatred.^®^  It  condemned  the  Intercollegiate  Socialist 
Society  for  seeking  "  to  inflame  the  mind  of  the  American 
youth."  ^®*  It  criticized  the  literature  distributed  by  this 
Society  as  ranging  "  from  revolution  to  inanity."  ^^^  In 
connection  with  its  attack  upon  the  Society,  the  N.  C.  F. 
Review  contended  that  90  per  cent  of  all  the  socialist 
writers,  workers  and  open-air  orators  "  are  not  working- 
men  and  have  nothing  in  common  with  the  interests  of 
laborers  " ;  that  the  socialists,  like  the  anarchists,  "  dwell 
upon  the  most  extreme  and  exaggerated  evils  of  present 
society  " ;  and  that  the  growth  in  the  socialist  vote  is  grossly 
overestimated  and  wrongly  interpreted.^®* 


The  National  Civic  Federation  441 

The  most  recent  activities  of  the  N.  C.  F.  in  opposition 
to  Socialism  and  socialistic  movements,  are  as  follows :  It 
has  strongly  opposed  any  recognition  by  the  U.  S.  Govern- 
ment of  Soviet  Russia.^"^  It  has  held  a  conference  on 
Socialist  Tactics.  As  a  result  of  this  conference,  it  created 
a  General  Committee  to  Inquire  into  the  Objectives  and 
Tactics  of  Revolutionary  Forces  in  this  Country,  which 
has  evolved  into  a  Department  on  Study  of  Revolutionary 
Movements,  designed  "  to  aid  progress  and  combat  revo- 
lutionism." 2^  This  Department  has  divided  the  work 
among  twelve  committees,  namely ;  a  committee  on  socialist 
doctrine  (and  tactics),  "  whose  work  shall  include  the  prep- 
aration and  distribution  of  literature  and  the  organization 
of  a  training  school  for  speakers ;  "  a  committee  on  text 
books,  "  to  study  text  books  on  history,  political  economy 
and  civics  in  the  high  schools  and  colleges,"  in  order  to  de- 
tect the  revolutionary  ones;  a  committee  on  soviet  propa- 
ganda (in  the  United  States)  ;  a  committee  on  evaluation  of 
official  statistics,  "  to  evalute  federal,  state  and  municipal 
statistics  as  well  as  socialist  deductions  from  same ;  "  a  com- 
mittee on  the  fundamentals  of  our  Constitution;  and  a 
committee  each  on  the  church,  the  college,  the  public  schools, 
labor,  soldiers  and  sailors,  philanthropic  agencies,  and  on 
organization,  "  to  make  an  intensive  study  of  the  extent  to 
which  revolutionary  forces  have  penetrated  the  various  in- 
dustrial fields,  social  organizations  and  institutions,"  and 
to  survey  our  industrial,  political  and  social  progress.^*' 
One  of  these  committees  has  proceeded  well  into  an  in- 
vestigation of  text  books  for  public  schools  and  colleges, 
and  intends  to  expose  all  books  which  do  not  teach  Ameri- 
canism.^™ The  N.  C.  F.,  furthermore,  is  planning  the  cre- 
ation of  National  Service  Committees  to  combat  radical- 
ism.^'^ ^  The  Federation  has  also  attacked  the  Peace  Con- 
ference Labor  Code  on  the  grounds  that  it  is  applied  inter- 
national socialism.^  ^^ 


442  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

The  Federation  has  been  strongly  American  in  relation 
to  the  war.  It  condemned  the  Nation,  the  New  Republic, 
the  Survey,  the  Public,  and  the  Review  of  Reviews,  for  being 
pro-German,  or  for  being  pro-Bolshevik  since  the  war,  or 
both.2^^  It  organized  the  "  League  for  National  Unity," 
and  has  circulated  the  leaflets  of  that  League.^'^* 

The  N.  C.  F.  has,  by  no  means,  limited  its  activities  to 
industrial  relations.  It  has,  for  instance,  undertaken  a 
number  of  comprehensive  and  expensive  investigations  of 
municipal  ownership  and  of  governmental  regulation  of 
public  utilities.  It  issued  exhaustive  reports  upon  each  of 
these  investigations.  Recently  it  has  condemned  public 
ownership  generally.  It  also  organized  a  scheme  by  which 
500  school  teachers  were  sent  to  Europe  for  a  two-months 
educational  tour.^'^'^ 

The  Interrelations  of  the  Federation  to  other  associa- 
tions have  been  numerous.^ ^®  It  is  interrelated  through 
officers  of  other  associations  who  are  also  members  or  of- 
ficials of  the  National  Civic  Federation.  Instances  of  this 
are:  in  1912,  on  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  N.  C.  F. 
were  Otto  M.  Eidlitz,  of  the  Building  Trades  Employers' 
Association  of  New  York  City,  Marcus  M.  Marks,  Presi- 
dent, Association  of  Clothiers,  New  York  City,  and  Louis  B. 
Schram,  Chairman,  Labor  Committee,  United  States  Brew- 
ers' Association. ^"^^  Closer  relations  between  it  and  other 
associations  have  been  sought  by  its  speakers  appearing  be- 
fore those  associations,  or  vice  versa.^'^^  Examples  of  this 
are:  President  Seth  Low  addressed  the  National  Metal 
Trades  Association  in  convention  assembled  in  1909  and  ap- 
pealed to  that  Association  to  join  in  the  efforts  of  the  N.  C. 
F. ;  ^^®  representatives  of  the  Federation's  welfare  depart- 
ment have  addressed  other  associations,  such  as  the  National 
Association  of  Wool  Manufacturers  ^^^  and  the  Iowa  Manu- 
facturers' Association.  George  H.  Barbour,  of  the  legis- 
lative committee,  N,  A.  M.,  Frederick  Driscoll,  Commis- 


The  National  Civic  Federation  443 

sioner  of  the  A.  N.  P.  A.,  Frederick  T.  Town,  President,  N. 
F.  A.,  and  A.  Beverly,  Secretary,  Lithographers'  Association 
of  the  United  States,  addressed  the  Federation  at  its  third 
annual  conference.  There  have  been  other  friendly  rela- 
tions ;  it  influenced  the  Clothiers'  National  Association  and 
the  National  Retail  Dry  Groods  Association  to  take  up  wel- 
fare work.  28^ 

Its  relations  with  the  National  Association  of  Manu- 
facturers were  very  unfriendly  during  the  period  from  1904 
to  191 2,  since  then,  the  official  organ  of  the  N.  A.  M.  has 
commended  some  of  the  reports  of  investigation  of  the 
N.  C.  F.2*2  There  was  a  time  when  there  were  bitter 
charges  and  countercharges  made  against  each  other  by  the 
two  organizations.^*^  The  commendations  of  the  reports 
of  the  Federation  by  the  N.  A.  M.  may  mean  that  the 
latter  organization  is  becoming  less  belligerent  in  character 
or  that  the  N.  C.  F.  is  becoming  slightly  more  belligerent 
in  theory,  or  at  least,  less  mediatory.  Since  the  Federation 
has  discontinued  its  conciliation  department,  we  may  judge 
that  it  is  becoming  less  mediatory  in  nature.  The  two  or- 
ganizations had  an  exchange  of  convention  speakers  in 
191 5-16.2**  Chairman  Fish  of  the  National  Industrial 
Conference  Board  spoke  before  a  meeting  of  the  N.  C.  F, 
in  1920,  but  his  statements  were  attacked  in  an  editorial 
in  the  National  Civic  Federation  Reznezv.^^^ 

Although  the  N.  F.  A.  has  never  been  on  very  friendly 
terms  with  the  N.  C.  F.,  the  President  of  the  former  com- 
mented very  favorably  on  the  report  of  the  N.  C.  F.  on  the 
comparative  returns  of  industry  to  capital  and  labor. ^^^ 

While  the  achievements  of  the  National  Civic  Federa- 
tion are  noteworthy,  with  due  consideration  to  the  difficul- 
ties that  it  has  had  to  meet  in  the  labor  field,  yet  it  has  been 
far  from  being  successful  in  accomplishing  its  object  of 
industrial  peace.  The  widening  of  the  struggle  has  forced 
the  Federation  to  widen  its  activities.     Its  most  remarkable 


444         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

success  has  been  in  having  employers  extend  their  welfare 
work,  but  welfare  work  does  not  guarantee  industrial  peace. 
The  Federation  has  performed  a  useful  function  in  showing 
the  limited  possibilities  of  mediation.* 

The  National  Civic  Federation  has,  however,  received 
more  publicity  than  any  other  association  of  equal  achieve- 
ments. It  has  been  able  to  capitalize  the  names  of  the  most 
prominent  men  and  women  in  America,  who  have  served 
upon  its  committees  and  in  its  departments  and  councils,  such 
as  no  other  association  has  been  able  to  do. 

*  See  Mr.  Easley's  frank  admission  of  failure  to  make  the  Federation 
solve  "the  whole  capital  and  labor  problem,"  in  S(3o)'i9  N.  C.  F. 
Review,  in  his  address  on  Jan.  29,  1920,  and  in  his  "  The  President's 
Industrial  Commission  "  of  Sept  16,  1919. 

REFERENCES 

1  Jl  '11  National  Civic  Federation  Reviezv,  p.  23  Abv.  Rew).  2  gy. 
Laws  of  the  National  Civic  Federation,  (Abv.  By-Laws)  ;  Proceed- 
ings of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Meeting  of  the  National  Civic  Federation,  1909. 
p.  143,  (Abv.  N  C  F)  ;  Leaflet  of  the  National  Civic  Federation,  dated 
May,  1915,  p.  I,  (Abv.  Leaflet)  ;  cf.  '01  N  C  F  viii-x.  ^  Socialism  and 
the  National  Civic  Federation,  13,  (Abv.  Socialism)  ;  F  '12  Rew  31. 
*  The  Work  of  the  National  Civic  Federation,  i,  (Abv.  Work).  ^By- 
Laws;  Ja  '05  Rew  II ;  S  '08  Rew  12.  «  By-Laws ;  Ja  '05  Rew  8;  Mr-Ap 
'06  Rew  15.  "^  By-Laws ;  Mr-Ap  '06  Rew  15 ;  Mr  '09  Rew  11 ;  '09  N  C  F 
143,  241-242;  '12  N  C  F  343-344-  ^ '12  N  C  F  10.  "  Ja  '05  Rew  11. 
*0Mr  '09  Rew  4.  iiN(ii)'2o  Letter  from  the  Federation,  (Abv. 
N(ii)'2o  Letter);  Au  '04  Rew  8.  12  Thj-eatened  Strike  of  Railway 
Employees,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  Interstate  Commerce, 
U.  S.  Senate,  1916,  p.  106,  (Abv.  '16  S  A  H).  i^  Mr  '09  Rew  4;  F  '12 
Rew  31;  Socialism  13;  Leaflet  i.  i-*'i2  N  C  F  10;  see  also  By-Laws. 
IS '12  N  C  F  286.  Impacts  on  Immigration,  134  (Abv.  Facts).  ^^ '12 
N  C  F  286.  18  '12  N  C  F  iv,  V,  286.  is  '12  N  C  F  iv-xii,  286.  2°  So- 
cialism 10;  '12  N  C  F  viii-x.  21  Socialism  6  for  cf.  225  'gg  Rew  24. 
23  Mr  '14  Rew  4.  24 'qi  N  C  F  viii,  271;  Socialism  5,  6;  F  '08  Rew 
15;  Present  Activities  of  the  National  Civic  Federation,  (Abv.  Pres- 
ent) ;  F  '12  Rew  30.  25  By-Laws;  see  also  F  '08  Rew  15;  Present; 
Socialism;  Facts  134;  F  '12  Rew  30.  26 'gi  N  C  F  viii;  see  also  Jl 
'11  Rew  10;  Socialism  15;  F  '12  Rew  31.  27  Mr  '09  Row  2.  28  Mr  '09 
Rew  4;  see  also  '12  N  C  F  286.  29 '09  N  C  F  66.  so  n  'og  Rew  10; 
F  '12  Rew  18.  31  My  '08  Rew  13 ;  see  also  An  Analysis  of  the  Pre- 
liminary  Statement  of   the   President's   Industrial   Conference  with   a 


The  National  Civic  Federation  445 

Proposal  for  a  Substitute,  (Abv.  Analysis).  82  Mr  '09  Rew  9.  ^3  My 
'08  Rew  12;  see  also  Industrial  Relations,  Final  Report  and  Testi- 
mony, U.  S.  Commission  on  Industrial  Relations,  7988,  (Abv.  Ind 
Rel).  34  My  '08  Rew  12.  ^^'01  N  C  F  270.  3«  The  National  Civic 
Federation,  Its  Methods  and  Its  Aim,  Education,  Conciliation,  In- 
dustrial Peace,  What  It  Has  Done,  What  It  Is  Doing,  What  It  Hopes 
to  Do,  10,  32-33,  (Abv.  Methods)  (Also  published  in  Harper's  Weekly, 
November  26,  1904,  pp.  1805,  1808,  1819).  ^7 'qi  N  C  F  14-15;  see 
also  F  '19  Rew  i,  2.    ^s  n  '09  Rew  10.    s»  Mr  '10  Rew  22.    *"  N  '09  Rew 

11.  *i '02  N  C  F  249-250.  *2»i2  N  C  F  4.  *3  Socialism  16;  Analysis. 
•** '12  N  C  F  14;  see  also  Socialism  16.  *5 '12  N  C  F  lo-ii.  *®Au 
(15) '04  American  Industries  5:  see  also  Analysis.  *''i2  N  C  F  7. 
"Ind  Rel  7987.  *» '01  N  C  F  271.  ^o  My  '05  Rew  i.  "Methods  10; 
cf.  Leaflet  i ;  Bulletin,  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  1902.  ^2  'qi 
N  C  F  iii;  Congress  on  Industrial  Conciliation  and  Arbitration;  F 
'12  Rew  29.  ^^3 '01  N  C  F  92,  see  also  85;  cf.  F  '12  Rew  29.  ^5* '01 
N  C  F  iii,  iv,  270;  Ap  '03  Rew  10;  Report  of  Anthracite  Coal  Strike 
Commission  32-33.  ^^  '01  N  C  F  iv-v.  '^^'01  N  C  F  v ;  see  also  F 
'08  Rew  15.  "Socialism  12.  ^s  cf.  F  '08  Rew  15.  '^^ '01  N  C  F  v. 
«o  S  '10  Rew  24;  F  '12  Rew  18;  Mr  '14  Rew  12;  Leaflet  2-3;  N(ii)'20 
Letter.  6in(ii)'20  Letter;  O  '16  Letterhead.  «2D(ii)'i3  Low's  Ad- 
dress, 2.  «3'oi  N  C  F  ix.  «ijl  '04  Rew  17.  «5N(ii)'2o  Letter;  An- 
alysis ;  After-the-War  Problems,  18,  (Abv.  After)  ;  Leaflet  3.  *»  Work 
11;  Facts  137;  S  '10  Rew  24.  «^  Facts  137;  S  '10  Rew  24.  ^^  \York  11. 
6»'o9  N  C  F  6.  70  F  '08  Rew  15.  "Mr  '09  Rew  11.  "Facts  137- 
138;  Jl  '04  Rew  17;  Mr-Ap  '06  Rew  16;  Au  '04  Rew  15;  '12  N  C  F 
286-288.  ■'3  See  also  Synopsis  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual 
Convention  of  the  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  1909,  p.  84,  (Abv. 
N  M  T  A).  T*  Methods  17-25.  "Facts  137-138.  '^8  See  also  Mr-Ap 
'06  Rew  16.  ''■'^  Mr  'og  Rew  4.  see  also  3;  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  13;  '12 
N  C  F  286-288.  ''8N(ii)'20  Letter;  see  also  Analysis.  "  Je  '05  Rew 
14;  Analysis.  *°  S  '08  Rew  i;  Analysis;  F  '12  Rew  i,  18,  28.  ^^  Jl-Au 
'06  Rew  lo-ii.    82  je  '05  Rew  14.    ®^  S-0  '05  Rew  15.    »*  S  '20  Rew  7, 

12,  22;  see  also  Methods.  *' Socialism  16;  Analysis;  F  '19  Rew  16; 
S  '04  Rew  1.3-14;  Jl  '04  Rew  10-16;  Ja  '05  Rew  14.  »"  Interstate  Trade, 
Ja  '20  Rew  1-2.  13-14;  My  '20  Rew  1-2.  »«  Mr  '09  Rew  9;  Jl  '04  Rew 
10-16;  Ja  '05  Rew  14;  S  '04  Rew  13-14;  N  '20  Rew  5.  ^7  g  '08  Rew 
I,  10;  Present.  88N(ii)'20  Letter.  ^9  Methods  lo-ii  ,15-16;  see  also 
Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  Interstate  Commerce,  U.  S.  Senate, 
1914,  p.  227,  (Abv.  '14  S  T  H).  81  Methods  16.  "2  Qyjc  Federation 
Plans  Model  Laws,  (Abv.  Civic).  ^^  Prevention  by  Law  of  Industrial 
Disputes,  (Abv.  Prevention).  »*  Railway  Library,  1913,  pp.  148-149; 
Arbitration  in  Controversies  between  Employers  and  Employees,  Hear- 
ings before  the  Committee  on  Interstate  Commerce,  U.  S.  Senate,  on  S 
2517,  1913,  pp.  7-60,  65-92;  D  '13  Rew  7.  '*■'•  Leaflet  3;  Analysis.  ** '16 
S  A  H  III,  see  also  106-117;  Ap  '05  Rew;  Analysis;  Ap  '20  Rew  3-5; 
Jl  '20  Rew  1-2,  5,  20.    »7'i2  N  C  F  93.    98D(2o)'i8  Rew  i.    »»D(5) 


446         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

'18  Rew  4-6;  Ap(i5)'i9  Rew  1-3,  lo-ii;  Jl  '19  Rew  4,  10;  The 
Industrial  Situation  Abroad  Following  the  War;  The  Labor  Situation 
Abroad  Following  the  War;  The  Labor  Situation  in  Great  Britain  and 
France.  100 '12  N  C  F  308-320;  Present;  My  '08  Rew  1-5,  12,  19-24; 
S  '08  Rew  2-4,  14;  '09  N  M  T  A  84-85;  Prevention;  Jl  '20  Rew  7S, 
22-23.  ^°^  Socialism ;  Prevention.  ^^^  p  'q8  Rew  15.  ^^^  Minimura 
Wage  by  Law.  10*  F  '12  Rew  12;  Mr  '14  Rew  24;  Civic,  i"'*  Work  6. 
106  Prevention,  lo^  "Work  i;  see  also  Jl  '11  Rew  i.  108  S  '10  Rew 
1-19;  21,  22-24;  Work  1-2;  Jl  '11  Rew  1-8.  i""  Present  2.  i^"  Mr-Ap 
'06  Rew  1-6.  8.  "1  N  '09  Rew  i ;  Mr  '14  Rew  18,  21 ;  Jl  '11  Rew  4, 
16,  21,  27,  28;  S  '10  Rew  16,  20;  Mr  '10  Rew  21,  27;  '09  N  C  F;  Ap 
'20  Rew  I,  10;  '12  NCR  "2'i2.  N  C  F  155-178,  235-273.  "3  Work 
6;  Ap  '20  Rew  10.  ^^^  Workmen's  Compensation,  Report  upon  Opera- 
tion of  State  Laws,  3-9.  ^^^  Work  4.  i^^  Work  5.  i^^  Work  4-5  ;  see 
also  F  '12  Rew  9,  16-17,  24;  '12  N  C  F  138,  152,  290.  ^^^  Civic. 
119  Leaflet.  120  p  '12  Rew  9,  16-17;  '12  N  C  F  150-157;  Prevention; 
Civic.  121  Work  5-6.  122  '12  N  C  F  186.  123  5  '08  Rew  23 ;  see  also 
Socialism  10;  O  '07  Rew  19;  By-Laws.  124  Socialism  10.  125 'j2  N  C 
F  290.  ^26  ind  Rel  2217.  127  Work  11-12;  see  also  Facts  139-140; 
Socialism  10;  O  '07  Rew  19;  S  '04  Rew  9;  Methods  26-27;  Ja  '05 
Rew  14;  Welfare  Department,  National  Civil  Federation,  leaflet,  (Abv. 
Welfare).  128  Conference  on  Welfare  Work,  1904,  (Abv.  Confer- 
ence); Ind  Rel  2215.  129  Socialism  10;  Work  11.  ^^o  Department  on 
Welfare  Work  .  .  .  Scope  and  Purposes;  Conference  xxv.  i^i  q  '07 
Rew  19;  Socialism  10.  1^2  Work  11;  Mr  '10  Rew  22,  28;  Jl  'n 
Rew  22;  Ja  '05  Rew  15.  ^^^  Ind  Rel  2216;  Mr  '10  Rew  22,  28;  Jl  '11 
Rew  22;  Welfare;  After  19.  1^4  jvfr  '10  Rew  19;  Jl  '11  Rew  22-27; 
'09  N  C  F  143  ff ;  '12  N  C  F  i8off ;  Mr-Ap  '06  Rew  7,  8,  13.  ^^s  Vast 
Welfare  Activities  Under  Way,  2,  (Abv.  Vast)  ;  Present  3;  Mr-Ap  '06 
Rew  13.  16;  N-D  '06  Rew  10;  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  i,  4ff,  n.  "« F  '08 
Rew  15-16;  Mr  '14  Rew  23-24.  i^^  Mr-Ap  '06  Rew  23;  Present  3; 
Vast  i;  Welfare;  Leaflet;  Address  of  H.  H.  Vreeland  on  Welfare 
Work;  F  '08  Rew  16;  Mr  '09  Rew  9.  ^^s  q  '07  Rew  19;  F  '12  Rew 
20-21;  Welfare,  i^o  j^  '05  Rew  15.  "°Ja  '05  Rew  15;  Present  2-3. 
141  Mr  '10  Rew  19;  Present  3;  Vast.  1*2  Welfare;  Vast  i;  Leaflet. 
143  Welfare.  ""Vast  2-3.  "» Welfare.  1*8  Mr  '14  Rew  23.  "^  jj 
'19  Rew  18.  19.  "8  Welfare.  149  Welfare.  i5oji_Au  '06  Rew  12,  see 
also  14-21;  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  6-9.  i^i  Ind  Rel  2228;  Mr  '14  Rew  20. 
"2J1  '13  Rew  I  ff;  Ind  Rel  2217.  1=3  Ind  Rel  2218.  !=>*  Ind  Rel  2218, 
2219;  Jl  '13  Rew  I  ff.  155  Ind  Rel  2217.  i^o  j)  '13  Rew  9,  12.  1^7  Mr 
'14  Rew  20.  158  s  '08  Rew  11;  Welfare  Work  in  Mercantile  Houses; 
see  also  Jl-Au  '05  Rew  12-14.  i"»  F  '08  Rew  15.  i^"  O  '07  Rew  1-19; 
S  '08  Rew  11;  D(i)'o5  Rew  10-12.  i^i  My  '08  Rew  15;  see  also  My 
'08  Rew  17.  i«2Mr  '09  Rew  n.  13.  i^^  Mr  '10  Rew  19.  i«*  Work  6. 
i«5  Leaflet.  i8«D(i5)'i4  Social  Insurance  Department,  Press  Sheet. 
i«^Ja  '20  Rew  6-7;  Ap  '20  Rew  6-8;  My  (15) '19  Rew  9;  Jl  '20  Rew 


The  National  Civic  Federation  447 

9.  14,  16,  24;  Labor  and  Sickness  Insurance,  Press  Sheet;  Ja  '20  Rew 
9;  Compulsory  Health  Insurance,  (Abv.  Health);  Compulsory  Sick- 
ness Insurance ;  Report  of  the  Committee  on  Preliminary  Foreign 
Inquiry,  Social  Insurance  Department;  Second  Report,  (Same);  N  '20 
Rew  8,  20-21,  also  7.  1**  Booklet  itself.  i^»  Work  12;  see  also  Social- 
ism 10;  My  '08  Rew  14;  Present  3.  ^^"  S  '08  Rew  22;  My  '08  Rew 
14-18;  Mr  '14  Rew  10.  1^1  Ap  '20  Rew  5,  14;  Mr  '14  Rew  21.  ^''^  Mr 
'09  Rew  21 ;  cf.  S  '08  Rew  8.  ^^^  Mr  '09  Rew  22;  see  also  Work  12; 
cf.  S  '08  Rew  8.  i'*  Prevention ;  Civic,  i"  Mr  '14  Rew  21.  "«D(4) 
'14  Low's  Address,  2,  3.  1^^  Mr  '14  Rew  21.  i^*D(2o)'i8  Rew  20. 
i7»  My  '20  Rew  5-6.  i^"  Mr  '14  Rew  21.  ^^i  Mercury  Poisoning  in  the 
Industries  of  New  York  City  and  Vicinity.  ^^^  Welfare  Work  Cloth- 
ing Manufacturers  New  York  City;  also  N  '09  Rew  14-18.  i*^  Leaflet; 
see  also  D(4)'i4  Low's  Address.  i8*0(i5)'20  Letter;  The  National 
Housing  Problem,  i*'' Methods  30-31.  ^^^  My  '05  Rew  1-2;  see  aJso 
Analysis.  ^^''  Methods  27.  ^^^  See  Conference  Reports ;  also  O  '13 
Weekly  Bulletin  of  the  Clothing  Trades ;  Ap  '20  Rew  i ;  My  '20  Rew  3, 
18,  20;  Mr  '14  Rew  13.  1^9  present  2.  i^o  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  20-23. 
191  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  12.  i92  Published  report  itself.  i93  Published  re- 
port itself ;  see  also  N  '09  Rew  14-18.  1^4  Published  report  itself ;  see 
also  Jl-Au  '05  Rew  12-14.  ^^'  Published  report  itself ;  see  also  Jl  '13 
Rew  I  flf.  19®  Jl-Au  '06  Rew  14-21 ;  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  12.  i^^  Work  3. 
i»8  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  12.  199  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  23-24.  200  Methods  28. 
201  Facts  141 ;  Present  4.  202  Press  Sheets ;  see  also  Methods  29.  20s  Leaf- 
lets, pamphlets,  and  booklets  themselves;  N(ii)'20  Letter.  204  Mr-Ap 
'06  Rew  15-16;  Jl-Au  '06  Rew  7-8,  13,  24;  Jl-Au  '05  Rew  2;  Ja-F  '06 
Rew  1-6.  14-19;  Je  '05  Rew  1-7.  8,  16;  S-0  '05  Rew  4,  7,  n,  16,  17, 
18.  20;  Mr-Ap  '07  Rew  16;  Facts  iii,  iv;  N  '20  Rew  13,  24.  205  p^cts 
136-137;  see  also  D(i)'o5  Rev  1-4,  8.  206  Mr  '14  Rew  24;  Shall  the 
Old  Order  Be  Scrapped,  (Abv.  Shall).  207  Work  11;  Jl  '11  Rew  4; 
see  also  Facts  138.  208  ja  '05  Rew  n.  209  pa^ts  139;  Jl  '11  Rew  4; 
Work  11;  Mr-Ap  '06  Rew  16;  My  '05  Rew  i.  210  present.  211  Mr 
'14  Rew  i;  Leaflet.  212  industrial  Economics  Department,  Survey  of 
Social  and  Industrial  Conditions,  p.  i,  (Abv.  Industrial)  ;  see  also 
Shall.  213  Leaflet.  214  industrial;  Mr  '14  Rew  1-4.  215  Mr  '14  Rew 
2;  see  also  Shall.  216  industrial  12.  217  Mr  '14  Rew  4.  218 '12  N  C  F 
12-18;  My(x5)'i9  Rew  7-9;  Jl  '20  Rew  19.  2195-0  '05  Rew  2;  see 
also  Je  '05  Rew  8;  N  '09  Rew  7.  220 jg  '05  Rew  11.  221  ji_Au  '06 
Rew  13.  222  S-O  '05  Rew  11;  Ja  '20  Rew  1-2,  13-14.  223 '12  N  C  F 
14.  224 '12  N  C  F  17-18.  225  p  'j2  Rew  13-15,  25.  226  Mr  '14  Rew 
12.  227  My  '08  Rew  13.  "8je  '03  Rew  17.  229  ji_Au  '06  Rew  12-13, 
230  Jl  '11  Rew  23.  231  S-0  '05  Rew  7,  8.  232  ja_F  '06  Rew  19.  233  S-0 
'05  Rew  8.  10.  234  Ja  '20  Rew  10;  Mr-Ap  '06  Rew  8;  F  '12  Rew  2, 
21.  26-27.  235'og  N  M  T  A  85.  236  Methods  9.  237  p  '08  Rew  14. 
2*8 '12  N  C  F  15;  '09  N  M  T  A  85.  239  Booklets  themselves.  240  p 
'08  Rew  14.  241  p  '12  Rew  29-32.  242  The  N  C  F  Review,  e.g.  N  '09 
Rew  7.    243  Booklet  itself.    244  Leaflet  itself.    245  n  '09  Rew  23.    246  ji_ 


448         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Au  '06  Rew  22-23.  ^*''  Mr  '09  Rew  16.  248  Mr  '09  Rew  24.  249  Mr 
'09  Rew  20-21.  2Boji_Au  '06  Rew  ii ;  N  '09  Rew  7,  11.  251  Mr  '14 
Rew  12.  252  F  '12  Rew  2.  253  ji_Au  '06  Rew  23-24.  254  p  '12  Rew 
18.  26-28.  255  ji  >ii  Rew  9-10.  266  N  'oQ  Rew  8-10.  257 '12  N  C  F 
14-16;  After;  Shall;  Analysis;  DCs) '18  Rew  6,  7,  lo-ii,  16-17; 
D(2o)'i8  Rew  8-9,  11;  Ja(io)'i9  Rew  7-9,  10  12-19.  F  '19  Rew  10, 
17-20;  Mr(i5)'i9  Rew  1-3,  7-9,  11-13.  I7,  19;  Ap(io)'i9- Rew  4-5,  10, 
12-15,  16-18,  20;  Ap((25)'i9  Rew.  3-4,  5-6,  8-9,  12-14;  My(is)'i9  Rew 
5-6,  7,  lo-ii,  16-17.  18-19;  Jl(.3o)'i9  Rew  1-3.  7-8,  12-14,  16,  17, 
20;  Au(3o)'i9  Rew  9,  16-18;  Ja  '20  Rew  3,  8-9,  15-20.  Ap  '20  Rew 
2-3,  lO-ii,  12.  13,  14.  15-18.  19-24;  My  '20  Rew  lo-ii,  13-14,  15-17, 
19-20;  Jl  '20  Rew  3,  4,  5,  10,  II,  13,  15-16,  17,  20,  21,  24;  S  '20  Rew 
8,  9-10,  12-13,  15.  16,  19-21,  22,  24;  Revolutionary  Socialism  in  Dis- 
guise; Bolshevism  and  Menshevism  Practically  the  Same;  Declaration 
Against  Recognition  of  the  Russian  Soviets,  (Abv.  Declaration) ;  N  '20 
Rew  4,  6.  8,  10,  II,  12-13,  15,  18-19,  22,  23,  24.  258  Mr  '14  Rew  13. 
259  My  '08  Rew  ii;  Mr  '09  Rew  19.  200  n  '09  Rew  21-22.  201  n  'qq 
Rew  24;  Jl(3o)'i9  Rew  i,  2,  3,  11,  13,  14;  Questions  for  Every  Good 
American  to  Consider.  262  Mr  '09  Rew  18-19.  263  Mr  '09  Rew  19. 
294  Je  '05  Rew  8-11.  15.  265  S-O  '05  Rew  6.  266  jg  '05  Rew  8-11,  15; 
see  also  Jl-Au  '06  Rew  11.  267j)(ig)'2o  Letter;  Moral,  Economic  and 
Political  Objections  to  Recognition  of  the  Soviet  Government  of  Russia; 
Ap(25)'i9  Rew  5-6;  Ap  '20  Rew  12;  Jl  '20  Rew  12;  S  '20  Rew  24; 
Declaration ;  N  '20  Rew  4.  12-13,  18-19.  288  ^.p  '20  Rew  15-18,  21. 
269  Ap  '20  Rew  21  ;  Jl  '20  Rew  5.  13.  24;  S  '20  Rew  3-4;  Organization 
Formed  to  Study  Socialists'  Objectives  and  Tactics;  Letterhead  of 
the  Department.  270  Ap  '20  Rew  23.  271  ji  '20  Rew  6,  12,  23-24. 
2"ja  '20  Rew  4-S.  U.  273D(5)'i8  Rew  7.  16;  D(2o)'i8  Rew  13,  16; 
Ja(io)'i9  Rew  8-g;  Ap(25)'i9  Rew  6-7,  15;  Jl  '19  Rew  3,  11,  13;  S  '20 
Rew  16;  After  12.  17;  Analysis.  274D(^)'jg  r^^  5.  leaflets  them- 
selves. 275N(ii)'2o  Letter;  reports  themselves;  F  '08  Rew  16-17; 
D(i)'05  Rew  5,  9;  Draft  Bill  for  the  Regulation  of  Public  Utilities; 
My(i5)'i9  Rew  18,  19.  276  1^(1  r^i  2228;  Mr  '14  Rew  20;  N  '09  Rew 
17,  18;  S-O  '05  Rew  6;  S  '08  Rew  i,  24;  Mr  '09  Rew  9;  Ap  '05  Rew 
16;  O  '04  Rew  1-5;  Jl  '04  Rew  11,  16,  17,  19;  Je  '03  Rew  13;  '09  N 
C  F.  277-12  N  C  F  iv.  278 'oQ  N  C  F  32.  158.  279 '09  N  M  T  A 
83-86.  280Mr-Ap  '06  Rew  13.  ^^^Ind  Rel  2216;  N  '09  Rew  17;  see 
also  S  '08  Rew  16;  Mr  '09  Rew  11.  28233  '15  American  Industries 
15 ;  Jl  '14  American  Industries  10.  283  s_o  '05  Rew  7 ;  Mr  '09  Rew 
8-10;  Jl  '11  Rew  9-10.  284  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Conven- 
tion of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  1916,  p.  316; 
My  '15  American  Industries  43 ;  see  also  Health  16-20.  285  j^  '20  Rew 
1-2,  10;  see  also  Health  52.  286  13  'j^  Review  (of  the  National  Found- 
ers' Association),  p.  558. 


CHAPTER  XII 
THE  LEAGUE  FOR  INDUSTRIAL  RIGHTS 

(formerly   the  AMERICAN    ANTI-BOYCOTT   ASSOCIATION) 

The  League  for  Industrial  Rights,  formerly  the  Ameri- 
can Anti-Boycott  Association,  furnishes  a  clear  case  of  an 
employers'  organization  which  is  practically  open  to  any 
and  every  employer  or  employer's  association,  and  which 
limits  itself  mainly  to  the  special  field  of  law  and  legisla- 
tion.^ It  "  stands  as  a  national  agency  and  clearing  house 
on  all  legal  and  constitutional  phases  of  the  labor  problem,"  ^ 
and  for  the  open  shop  as  against  the  closed  union  shop  or 
the  anti-union  shop.^  It  is  without  doubt  the  most  secretive 
of  associations  today.*  So  reticent  has  it  been  that  for  a 
long  time  no  statement  was  available  as  to  the  number  of 
members  it  had,  the  total  capital  represented  or  the  number 
of  employees  that  were  in  the  shops  of  its  members.'^  In 
191 5,  it  was  said  to  have  had  nearly  1000  members  — 
nearly  600  active  members  and  over  300  contributors  — 
but  the  capital  or  the  number  of  employees  represented  was 
not  given.®  Since  then,  it  has  opened  its  doors  to  the 
various  employers'  associations  and  civic  bodies,  and  the 
number  of  members  has  greatly  increased.  In  19 19,  alone, 
the  increase  in  members  was  50  per  cent  and  its  stafif  was 
trebled.  In  September,  1921,  it  had  approximately  2000 
members.^  Contributors  have  not  the  rights  of  active  mem- 
bers in  voting  nor  in  securing  the  financial  support  of  the 
Association  in  suits  at  law  on  labor  matters  as  have  the 
active  members.  But  contributors  may  consult  the  legal 
staff  of  the  League  and  receive  all  the  publications,  confiden- 
tial reports,  and  similar  matter  issued  by  the  organization.^ 

449 


450         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  It  adopted  its  present  name*  early  in  1919  in  order  to 
fit  its  increased  and  broadened  activities."  ® 

Its  Government  is  simple.  The  various  industries  are 
classified  into  groups  and  each  of  these  groups  selects  one 
member  to  the  General  Executive  Board  for  one  year.  The 
management  of  the  League  is  vested  in  this  Board.  The 
powers  of  this  Board  in  the  management  of  the  Association 
are  practically  limited  only  in  a  financial  way, —  "  No  obli- 
gation shall  be  incurred  unless  the  funds  to  the  amount 
thereof  are  in  the  Treasury."  ^^  Otherwise  the  Board  may 
undertake  any  lawful  activity.  It  may  appoint  an  Execu- 
tive Committee  of  five  members  from  its  own  number,  it 
may  in  its  discretion  furnish  counsel  and  bear  any  or  all 
expense  in  connection  with  any  litigation  instituted  with 
its  consent  for  the  protection  of  the  rights  of  any  of  the 
members  of  the  Association,  and  it  has  the  power  to  employ 
and  remunerate  a  Secretary  and  counsel  or  other  agents  and 
assistants, —  all  of  which  it  has  done.^^ 

Dues. —  The  Association  derives  its  revenues  from  the 
dues  of  members  and  the  contributions  of  contributors. 
The  size  of  the  contributions  is  limited  only  by  the  gener- 
osity of  the  contributors.  The  dues  of  individual  members 
are  an  initiation  fee  of  $25  and  assessments  on  call  of  $1 
on  each  $1,000  of  the  member's  monthly  pay-roll  of  his 
workmen  for  the  month  previous  to  the  issue  of  the  call. 
Formerly  not  more  than  six  assessments  could  be  made  in 
any  one  year.  But  from  19 13  to  1920  the  number  of  as- 
sessments was  limited  by  practice  to  three  each  year.  No 
assessments  may  be  levied  when  the  fund  in  the  treasury 
exceeds  $100,000.  The  maximum  assessment  on  any  indi- 
vidual member  for  any  one  time  is  $500.     The  member- 

*  "  The  change  in  our  name,"  says  a  letter  from  the  League,  "  was 
necessitated  by  reason  of  the -fact  that  due  to  our  very  much  enlarged 
activities  the  old  name  was  no  longer  sufficiently  comprehensive,  and 
also  there  was  quite  a  considerable  amount  of  objection  raised  to  the 
old  name  as  being  too  belligerent." 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  451 

ship  dues   for  affiliated   associations   are   $25    initial    fee 
and  assessments  on  call  of  $10  each.^^ 

The  Objects  of  the  League,  according  to  its  Constitu- 
tion, are: 

"  To  protect  its  members  (and  their  employees)*  and  promote 
the  public  welfare  by  proper  and  legal  resistance  to  boycotting, 
picketing,  unlawful  strikes  and  other  labor  conspiracies,  and  by 
co-operating  with  the  public  authorities  in  the  suppression 
thereof. 

"  To  oppose  federal  and  state  legislation  injurious  to  the 
public  good,  which  would  impair  the  rights  and  remedies  of 
members  in  the  employment  of  labor,  or  destroy  industrial 
freedom. 

"  To  educate  the  public  to  a  better  understanding  of  the  ques- 
tions relating  to  the  employment  of  labor. 

"  To  t  provide  for  the  joint  retainer  by  the  members  of  one 
or  more  attorneys  to  advise  and  act  for  each  member  in  mat- 
ters within  the  scope  of  the  Association's  work."  ^^ 

To  these  objects,  it  has  recently  added  another,  that  of 
proposing  federal  and  state  legislation,  as  is  set  forth  in  the 
italicized  clause  in  the  following  statement: 

"  The  object  of  the  League  is  to  improve  industrial  relations ; 
to  safeguard  constitutional  rights  and  uphold  the  supremacy  of 
the  law  in  industry;  to  secure  life,  liberty  and  property  in  in- 
dustrial disputes;  to  establish  a  public  policy  in  relation  to  in- 
dustrial warfare  and  thereby  minimize  unwarranted  strikes; 
to  safeguard  the  rights  of  society  as  a  whole  as  affected  by  the 
labor  problem."  ^* 

The  Association  has  always  had  as  its  main  purpose  "  to 
promote  good  citizenship,  individual  liberty,  the  open  shop," 
and  "  to  maintain  law  and  order  and  individual  liberty  in  the 
field  of  industrial  relations."  ^'^  "As  a  pioneer  anti-Bol- 
shevik organization  it  has  been  battling  in  the  courts  and 
before  committees  of  legislatures  to  accomplish  the  following 

*  Omitted  in  revised  Constitution,     t  Added  in  revised  Constitution. 


452         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ends :  ( i )  to  preserve  legal  and  constitutional  rights  in  in- 
dustrial disputes;  (2)  to  protect  employer  and  employee 
against  illegal  strikes,  picketing,  boycotting,  or  other  unlaw- 
ful acts;  (3)  to  secure  legal  responsibility  and  integrity  of 
contract;  (4)  to  safeguard  individual  liberty."  ^^ 
Its  widened  activities  are,  in  part,  thus  explained: 

"  Industrial  peace  and  the  economic  soundness  of  our  in- 
stitutions for  the  future  depend  largely  upon  our  constitution 
and  liberties.  To  preserve  these  in  the  critical  period  of  re- 
construction is  one  of  the  primary  duties  of  this  Association."  " 

"  We  face  an  era  of  industrial  change.  Our  institutions  now 
in  a  state  of  metamorphosis  will  be  molded  by  the  events  of 
the  next  few  years.  Organized  labor  realizing  this  is  prepar- 
ing for  great  activity.  The  great  mass  of  unorganized  workers 
is  wavering  between  allegiance  to  their  employers  and  affiliation 
with  the  ranks  of  their  militant  brothers."  ^* 

The  League  holds  a  unique  place  in  the  general  associa- 
tion movement, —  it  is  primarily  a  legal  institution,  yet  is 
one  of  the  more  progressive  associations  in  attitude  toward 
industrial  conditions.     Its  aims  have  thus  been  elucidated  : 

"  The  League  aims  to  be  the  progressive  wing  of  the  employ- 
ers' movement  and  in  many  respects  has  carried  out  this  aim, 
its  work  having  been  largely  limited  to  the  maintenance  of  what 
it  beUeved  to  be  fundamental  principles  —  it  refuses  to  enter 
into  conflict  or  controversy  with  labor  except  where  those  prin- 
ciples are  at  stake.  In  this  way  it' has  kept  itself  free  from 
those  general  prejudices  which  control  so  many  employers'  as- 
sociations whenever  labor  unions  are  under  discussion  and  has 
maintained  an  independence  of  thought  and  spirit  of  liberalism 
which  is  very  promising. 

"  It  is  surprising  to  find  an  organization  which  has  spent  so 
much  of  its  energies  in  fighting  the  excesses  and  abuses  of 
unionism  and  which  has  become  so  imbued  with  the  extent  of 
those  excesses  and  abuses,  boldly  condemning  discrimination 
against  union  men  and  openly  inviting  consideration  of  various 
methods  of  employee  representation,  profit-sharing  and  other 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  453 

devices  to  secure  better  co-operation  between  employers  and 
employees. 

"  It  is  a  great  tribute  to  this  organization  that  its  effective 
work  in  fighting  illegal  labor  combinations  has  not  led  it  into 
a  prejudiced  and  illiberal  attitude  toward  labor  organizations. 

"  On  the  contrary,  it  seems  to  stand  for  a  progressive  spirit 
which  constitutes  a  safe  and  wholesome  leadership  for  the 
employers  of  the  country."  ^® 

The  Association's  Program  —  its  "  Magna  Charta  " 
and  "  Bill  of  Rights  " —  has  been  stated  as  follows : 

"  It  is  the  supremacy  of  the  law,  no  strikes  against  the 
government;  industrial  liberty;  the  integrity  and  enfor- 
cibility  of  contracts;  self-determination,  or  the  right  of 
every  contended  organization  of  employers  and  employees 
to  ply  its  peaceful  pursuits  without  the  interference  of  out- 
side agitators;  the  right  of  every  employee  to  determine 
without  unfair  pressure  from  employer  or  labor  union 
whether  or  not  he  shall  join  a  labor  union."  ^° 

Supremacy  of  the  law,  "  in  the  present  application  means 
that  labor  unions  and  all  associations  must  be  legally  re- 
sponsible within  their  chosen  field  of  activity."  ^^  "  When 
labor  unions  instigate  strikes,  they  must  be  held  responsible 
for  all  accompanying  lawlessness  which  they  might  prevent, 
and  when  they  enter  into  collective  contracts  they  must  im- 
derwrite  and  guarantee  those  contracts.  The  law  should 
not  acquit  them  of  this  responsibility  until  they  afifirmatively 
demonstrate  that  they  have  used  the  full  power  of  their 
influence  and  discipline  to  prevent  such  illegal  acts."  ^^ 
"  Collective  responsibility  must  accompany  collective  ac- 
tion. Unions  must  be  responsible  for  acts  of  their  agents. 
The  employer  is  responsible  for  the  acts  of  his  agents  and 
servants ;  he  employs  them  at  his  peril  and  guarantees  their 
conduct  to  society  while  engaged  about  his  business.  Labor 
unions  must  assume  an  equal  responsibility  for  the  acts  of 
their  delegates,  leaders  and  pickets.  If  public  and  private 
rights,  whether  on  public  utilities  or  in  private  industries, 


454         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

are  to  be  protected  against  the  over-reaching  of  powerful 
organizations,  it  is  essential  that  legal  responsibility  and 
legal  restraints  should  accompany  the  right  of  combina- 
tion, whether  of  labor  or  of  capital.  Democracy  demands 
this  in  the  name  of  self-preservation.  Power  without  re- 
sponsibility is  the  essence  of  tyranny."  ^^ 

"  So  through  all  these  years,  by  every  avenue  that  we 
can  find,"  says  its  Counsel,  Daniel  Davenport,  "  we  have 
endeavored  to  preach  and  to  carry  out  the  principle  of  In- 
dividual Liberty,  the  right  of  a  man  to  work  and  earn  his 
living  whether  he  belongs  to  a  union  or  not,  provided  he 
respects  the  rights  of  others  and  obeys  the  laws  of  his 
country.  The  great  effort  of  the  Society  has  been  with  the 
help  of  the  Judiciary,  to  write  into  the  fabric  of  American 
jurisprudence  this  principle/'  ^* 

Combats  Unionism  Along  Legal  Lines. —  The  League 
is  therefore  combative  both  offensively  and  defensively.  It 
fights  the  unions  along  legal  lines.  It  uses  the  law  to  en- 
force open-shop  conditions  whenever  its  members  are  in- 
volved. It  "  deals  with  the  problems  of  government  and 
law  in  industrial  affairs."  ^^  Its  formation  in  1902  grew  out 
of  the  attempt  of  the  United  Hatters  of  North  America  by 
means  of  strikes  and  boycotts  to  force  D.  E.  Loewe  &  Co. 
to  unionize  its  plant.^®  As  its  original  title  indicated,  it 
combated  and  still  combats  boycotts  through  governmental 
agencies  and  education.  As  it  defines  the  term,  the  "  Boy- 
cott must  be  regarded  as  that  un-American  and  reprehensi- 
ble practice  of  organized  labor  whereby  the  products  of  a 
given  manufacturer  or  any  individual  are  held  up  to  de- 
nunciation, contempt  and  proscription  under  a  spirit  of 
blackmail,  merely  because  in  the  opinion  of  a  prejudiced 
class,  whose  verdict  for  this  very  reason  may  be  biased 
and  therefore  unjust,  the  manufacturer  or  workman  is  re- 
garded as  unfair  to  labor."  ^^  Thus  it  is  seen  that  the 
Association  regards  as  a  boycott  the  attempt  of  a  com- 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  455 

bination  to  prevent  the  purchase  or  sale  of  various  sorts  of 
merchandise,  and  of  nonunion  labor.  It  fights  illegal 
strikes  in  the  courts  ^*  on  the  grounds  that  "  all  unlawful 
strikes  are  boycotts."  ^®  It  does  not  combat  strikes  as  does 
the  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  or  other  organiza- 
tions in  that  class.  "  The  American  Anti-Boycott  Associa- 
tion makes  no  pretense  of  dealing  with  acute  controversies 
between  employer  and  employee.  Its  purpose  is  deeper, 
more  far-reaching,  and  more  permanently  effective.  It  aims 
to  ascertain  what  is  the  law  of  the  land,  and  then  to  secure  its 
enforcement,  firm  in  its  conviction  that  the  law  will  suffice 
to  deal  with  these  problems,  and  probably  solve  most  if 
not  all  of  them."  ^^  Since  strikers  generally  have  little  suc- 
cess in  preventing  the  use  of  strike-breakers  except  by  vio- 
lence or  intimidation,  or  in  forcing  the  employer  to  terms 
save  by  the  application  of  the  boycott  to  his  products,  this 
Association  strikes  at  a  vital  spot  in  the  unions.  For,  in  so 
far  as  the  coercive  tactics  of  the  unions  are  declared  illegal, 
it  can  bring  the  whole  force  of  the  government  to  bear  in 
favor  of  the  employer  in  a  labor  dispute.  Fundamentally 
the  common  law  is  adverse  to  the  practices  of  the  unionism 
of  today,  and  the  interpretation  and  application  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  common  law  have  built  up  a  body  of  law  relat- 
ing to  labor  disputes  not  favorable  to  unionism.^^  So  the 
Association  has  as  its  chief  function  "  the  interpretation, 
enforcement,  publication  and  preservation  of  the  law  as  it 
affects  the  relations  of  employer  and  employee,"  ^^  that  is, 
"  to  resist  illegal  labor  activities,  to  prosecute  flagrant  of- 
fences against  equity  and  right,  to  emphasize  and  give  pub- 
licity to  the  law,  and  to  resist  intelligently  and  vigorously  all 
efforts  to  nullify  or  alter  provisions  of  law  which  preserve 
and  protect  the  essential  rights  of  man  in  consonance  with 
the  constitution  of  the  United  States."  ^^  Pre-eminently 
the  Association  stands  for  the  education  of  the  employer  so 
he  will  understand  his  rights  in  these  respects,  and  the  fact 


456         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

that  the  law  will  protect  those  rights  if  he  will  appeal  to 
it  in  the  right  way  at  the  right  time."  ^*  Accordingly,  it 
advises  its  members  on  the  conduct  of  law  suits,  problems  of 
legislation,  the  drafting  of  agreements  with  employees  in- 
dividually or  collectively,  and  on  similar  labor  problems. ^^ 
Not  only  has  it  made  the  employer  conscious  of  his  legal 
rights,  not  only  has  it  enforced  the  laws  relating  to  these 
rights  through  the  agency  of  the  courts,  but  it  has  even  been 
compelled  to  oppose  both  state  and  federal  legislation  that 
would  lessen  or  destroy  such  rights  under  the  law,  and  to  go 
into  politics.^®  In  fact,  all  the  gains  the  Association  has 
made  through  its  long  legal  battles  "  would  be  completely 
nullified  by  the  -passage  of  such  laws."^'' 

Legislative  Activities. —  Ever  since  the  establishment 
of  the  Association  in  1902,  Mr.  Daniel  Davenport,  its  Gen- 
eral Counsel,  has  appeared  in  Washington,  D.  C,  in  oppo- 
sition to  all  bills  which  he  regarded  as  inimical  to  the  inter- 
ests of  the  members  of  the  Association.  Among  the  bills 
opposed  by  Mr.  Davenport  were  those  which  provided  for 
the  abolition  or  modification  of  the  use  of  injunctions  in 
labor  disputes,  the  trial  by  jury  for  contempt  of  court,  the 
exemption  of  labor  unions  from  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust 
Act,  the  legalization  of  the  union  boycott,  and  the  estab- 
lishment of  an  eight-hour  day  on  all  work  done  for  the 
government  by  private  concerns  under  contract.^^  That  his 
efforts  were  generally  successful  is  attested  by  the  fact  that 
he  and  James  A.  Emery  were  able  for  the  period  from  1902 
to  1912  to  secure  the  defeat  of  practically  all  the  bills  urged 
for  enactment  by  the  officials  of  the  American  Federation 
of  Labor.^®  Although  an  eight-hour  bill  became  a  law  in 
1912,  it  was  modified  so  that  it  did  not  entirely  satisfy  the 
labor  officials  who  were  urging  its  passage,  and  the  credit  for 
these  modifications  belongs  in  part  to  Mr.  Davenport.*^ 
Similarly  with  the  Clayton  Anti-Trust  Act  passed  in  19 14,  he 
aided  in  securing  modifications  in  the  sections  that  relate  to 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  457 

labor  matters  through  the  insertion  of  the  word  "lawful," 
which  the  courts  have  declared  takes  from  the  law  the 
meaning  intended  by  its  proponents.^ ^  Decisions  by  the 
Supreme  Court  indicate  that  such  is  the  case  on  every  major 
point, ^^  The  proviso  of  the  civil-service  sundry  appropria- 
tion act  exempting  labor  unions  from  prosecution  by  means 
of  any  funds  thus  appropriated,  did  not  vitally  affect  the 
activities  of  the  League  since  practically  in  every  case  in 
which  it  has  taken  part  the  cost  of  the  prosecution,  counsel 
and  investigations  has  been  at  the  expense  of  the  League.^^ 
Similar  work  has  been  carried  on  before  state  legislatures, 
and  the  briefs  and  arguments  gathered  and  compiled  by  the 
League  have  been  made  available  to  employers  generally,  in 
opposing  state  legislation  which  they  do  not  desire.^* 

The  League  has  not  limited  its  activities  to  opposing  leg- 
islation desired  by  the  unions,  but  is  itself  a  legislative  pro- 
ponent. It  has  sought  legislation  which  would  make  labor 
unions,  or  other  voluntary  associations,  legally  responsible 
for  damages  to  a  person  they  or  their  officials  or  agents  have 
illegally  wronged, —  under  such  a  law  the  unions  could  be 
sued  the  same  as  a  corporation.  The  League  has  advo- 
cated the  enactment  of  laws  prohibiting  agitation  for,  or 
support  of  a  strike  or  lockout  or  other  sort  of  "  unwarranted 
industrial  warfare,"  (i)  in  the  case  of  employees  of  the 
government  or  of  public  utilities,  (2)  in  violation  of  an 
agreement  or  an  arbitration  award,  ( 3  )  against  a  party  who 
is  willing  to  submit  the  issue  to  arbitration,  (4)  without 
giving  reasonable  opportunity  for  consideration  of  the  de- 
mands, (5)  where  there  is  no  grievance  on  part  of  those 
intending  to  strike.  The  penalties  for  the  violation  of  such 
laws  are  to  be  damages  recovered  in  action  at  law,  and  im- 
prisonment for  contempt  of  court  for  disobedience  to  in- 
junction orders.'*^  "  These  bills  are  the  result  of  years  of 
deliberation  and  it  is  believed  that  their  enactment  in  the 
various  state  legislatures  would  in  the  long  run  do  much  to 


458         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

stabilize  industrial  conditions  and  protect  the  public  from 
unjustifiable  interruptions  in  industry."  ^®  A  third  legis- 
lative proposal  of  the  League  is  a  bill  prohibiting  police- 
men and  firemen  from  going  out  on  strike,  or  from  joining 
any  labor  union  affiliated  with  another  union  in  another 
line  of  employment.'*^  The  League  argues  for  govern- 
mental regulation  of  unions  when  they  are  in  public  employ- 
ment or  in  industries  and  businesses  afifected  with  a  public 
interest.^*  It  is  watching  with  great  interest  the  operation 
of  the  law  providing  for  the  Kansas  Industrial  Relations 
Court,  and  believes  that  4;he  law  should  be  given  a  fair 
trial.'*'^  This  law  practically  establishes  a  system  of  com- 
pulsory arbitration. 

The  League  makes  synopses  and  analyses  of  proposed 
legislation,  both  federal  and  state,  and  publishes  these  in 
Law  and  Lahor.^^  The  Association  has  gone  to  much 
trouble  and  expense  in  collecting  briefs  and  arguments 
against  labor-union  bills  proposed  before  state  legislatures. 
It  has  called  upon  the  various  employers'  associations  to 
furnish  any  briefs  or  arguments  available.^^  By  collect- 
ing these,  the  League  has  obtained  a  wealth  of  material  for 
the  purpose  of  resisting  the  enactment  of  "  labor  "  legislation. 

Political  Activities. —  In  regard  to  the  pledging  of  can- 
didates for  public  office  to  special  groups  or  legislative  pro- 
posals, the  League  is  strongly  opposed  to  any  pledging  other 
than  to  support  the  Constitution  and  laws.  The  League  is 
an  ardent  supporter  of  the  Constitution.^^  It  has  also  re- 
solved that  it  would  aid  Gov.  Allen  of  Kansas  to  maintain 
the  sovereignty  of  that  state  and  endorsed  him  for  his  stand 
on  the  enforcement  of  the  law  establishing  an  Industrial 
Relations  Court.^^ 

Litigation;  Noted  Cases. —  The  Association  has  been 
interested  in  the  prosecution  of  a  large  number  of  cases 
against  the  unions  before  the  courts  by  suits  for  damages, 
criminal  actions  and  injunctions.^*     One  of  the  first  of  these 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  459 

was  the  case  of  the  Kellogg  Switchboard  and  Supply  Co. 
in  1903.  This  case  finally  reached  the  highest  court  in  the 
State  of  Illinois  and  the  decision  rendered  there  established 
a  precedent  for  a  multitude  of  other  labor  cases.^'^  In  this 
decision  the  rule  was  laid  down  that  a  strike  to  compel  an 
employer  to  conduct  a  closed  shop  is  illegal.'^®  Far  more 
noted  are  the  cases  of  the  Danbury  Hatters  ( Loewe  vs.  Law- 
ler  et  al. ),  and  the  Buck's  Stove  &  Range  Company  vs.  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor,  and  the  contempt  case  of 
Gompers,  Mitchell  and  Morrison  growing  out  of  it.  The 
Danbury  Hatters'  case  involved  the  prosecution  of  the  hat- 
ters' union  for  treble  damages  for  the  losses  sustained  by 
D.  E.  Loewe  &  Co.  as  the  result  of  an  interstate  boycott  on 
the  hats  of  that  company.  The  original  suit  was  instituted 
under  the  provisions  of  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Act  in 
1902  and  it  and  subsequent  suits  were  carried  on  by  the 
Association  at  its  own  expense  in  the  courts  for  a  period 
of  fourteen  years,  during  which  time  point  by  point  was 
taken  up  and  tried  on  appeal  until  the  Association  secured 
a  final  decision  in  191 5,  from  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States. ^^  The  damages  assessed  against  members 
of  the  Union  amounted  to  approximately  $280,000.^*  A 
number  of  other  suits  grew  out  of  the  situation.  Among 
these  were  Loewe  vs.  California  State  Federation  of 
Labor,'*"  and  Loewe  vs.  Savings  Bank  of  Danbury."" 
Foreclosure  proceedings  were  brought  against  the  homes  of 
individual  members  of  the  Union,®^  but  the  matter  was 
finally  settled  by  a  compromise  with  the  Union  for  $165,- 
coo,  in  addition  to  about  $70,000  already  collected  from  the 
savings  accounts  of  the  defendants.®^  The  cost  to  the  Asso- 
ciation for  conducting  these  cases  has  been  estimated  at 
$30,000.®^  The  case  of  the  Buck's  Stove  &  Range  Co.  in- 
volved first  an  application  for  an  injunction  restraining  the 
oflficers  and  others  of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor 
from  boycotting  the  products  of  the  Buck's  Stove  &  Range 


460         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Co.,  by  placing  it  on  the  "  Unfair  List  "  of  that  organization. 
Two  injunctions  thus  enjoining  the  leaders  of  the  A,  F. 
of  L.  were  issued,  and  were  violated,  so  that  in  the  second 
place,  the  main  leaders,  Gompers,  Mitchell,  and  Morrison, 
were  tried  on  the  charge  that  they  had  violated  the  in- 
junctions and  were  therefore  in  contempt  of  court.  After 
several  trials  and  appeals,  the  case  was  finally  dismissed 
upon  the  grounds  that  the  defendants  were  exempt  from 
punishment  under  the  Statute  of  Limitations.®*  While  the 
union  leaders  thus  escaped  punishment  under  the  laws  re- 
lating to  boycotts  and  violation  of  injunctions,  the  laws 
remained  unchanged,  in  fact,  were  strongly  asserted  in  de- 
cisions rendered  in  the  course  of  the  case  through  the  courts. 
This  suit  was  conducted  at  the  expense  of  the  Association 
for  nearly  seven  years.®^ 

Illustrative  Cases. —  The  Association  has  participated  in 
a  number  of  other  important  cases.  Among  these  are: 
Connors  vs.  Connelly,  Bossert  vs.  Dhuy,  Paine  Lumber 
Company  case,  Irving  &  Casson  case,  Albro  J.  Newton  Com- 
pany case.  Savage  vs.  Potter,  Auburn  Draying  Company 
case.  In  the  case  of  Connors  vs.  Connelly,  the  court  de- 
cided that  closed-shop  agreements  between  a  large  group  of 
employers  and  unions  were  monopolistic  in  character  and 
therefore  illegal,  also  that  an  agreement  among  employers 
to  maintain  the  open  shop  was  legal  and  that  a  penalty 
provided  in  that  agreement  could  be  enforced  against  an 
eemployer  who  had  violated  that  contract,^®  In  the  case  of 
Bossert  vs.  Dhuy,  injunctions  were  issued  enjoining  the 
Carpenters'  Union  from  calling  strikes  on  buildings  where 
open-shop  materials  were  used,  on  the  ground  that  such 
action  constituted  a  boycott  and  was  accordingly  illegal.®'^ 
The  cases  of  the  Paine  Lumber  Co.  vs.  Neal,''®  Irving  vs. 
Neal,®®  Irving  vs.  Joint  District  Council,'^^  and  Newton  ZAf. 
Erick-son,  were  similar  to  that  of  Bossert  vs.  Dhuy, 
in  that  they  involved  restraining  orders  against  the  boycott- 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  461 

ing  by  the  unions  of  open-shop  products  in  the  building 
industry  of  New  York  City.^^  The  case  of  Savage  vs. 
Potter  grew  out  of  the  four  cases  just  mentioned  and  was  a 
suit  brought  against  this  Association  by  the  Carpenters' 
Union  to  enjoin  the  organization  from  furnishing  counsel 
to  its  members.  Had  this  suit  been  successful,  the  useful- 
ness of  the  Association  to  its  members  in  the  State  of  New 
York  would  have  been  seriously  reduced,  but  the  case  was 
dismissed  at  the  expense  of  the  UnionJ^  The  case  of  the 
Auburn  Draying  Company  was  one  in  which  an  injunction 
was  issued  to  restrain  a  widespread  union  boycott  which  was 
being  carried  out  to  the  third  degree  or  more  on  the  Auburn 
Draying  Company;  for,  not  only  were  materials  hauled  by 
this  company  subjected  to  a  boycott,  but  even  strikes  were 
ordered  on  buildings  in  which  materials  hauled  by  this  com- 
pany were  being  used.^^  Other  cases  in  which  injunctions 
were  sought  to  restrain  the  unions  from  boycotting  certain 
concerns,  were  the  cases  of  the  Duplex  Printing  Press  Co.  vs. 
Deering,  and  the  Gill  Engraving  Co.'^'*  In  the  former  case, 
the  U,  S.  Supreme  Court  decided  on  January  3,  192 1,  that 
the  Clayton  Anti-Trust  Act  does  not  exempt  labor  unions 
from  the  provisions  of  the  Sherman  Anti-Trust  Act,  but 
actually  provides  that  individuals  may  obtain,  without  the 
intervention  of  a  U.  S.  attorney,  an  injunction  against  a 
restraint  of  interstate  trade.  Among  the  other  cases  in 
which  the  Association  has  been  interested,  are :  Seubert  vs. 
Reiff,'^  Grant  Construction  Co.  vs.  Building  Trades  Coun- 
cil,'^ My  Maryland  Lodge  vs.  Adt.  and  In  re  John  B.  Adt,"^*^ 
Steams  Lumber  Co.  vs.  Howlett,'^^  Hydraulic  Press  Brick 
Co.  vs.  Kasten,"'®  O'Brien  vs.  the  People,®"  People  vs. 
Bausher  and  In  re  Bausher,*^  and  the  Arkansas  Coal  cases 
( Bache-Dennan  Coal  Companies  of  Arkansas  vs.  the  United 
Mine  Workers  of  America,  and  the  Pennsylvania  Mining 
Company  vs.  the  United  Mine  Workers  of  America)  which 
the  Association  did  not  carry  all  the  way  through  because  the 


462         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

companies  did  not  wish  to  heed  the  advice  of  the  Counsel  of 
the  Association.^^  It  later  took  up  the  cases  and  opposed, 
before  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  a  reversal  of 
a  favorable  decision  secured  in  the  lower  court,  but  this  Court 
had  reached  no  decision  prior  to  Oct.  i,  1921.  The  total 
fines  and  costs  which  it  secured  in  these  cases  against  the 
United  Mine  Workers  of  America  total  nearly  one  million 
dollars.^^  It  was  also  interested  in  the  Hitchman  Coal  and 
Coke  Company  Case,  in  which  the  courts  sustained  the  invi- 
olability of  open-shop  contracts;*^  and  in  the  John  Douglas 
Case,  which  involved  the  use  of  anti-union  contracts.^^ 

The  Association  has  not  borne  the  entire  cost  of  these 
cases,  since  "  The  expenditure  of  funds  in  the  prosecution 
of  the  boycott  shall  be  limited  to  counsel,  court  and  witness 
fees  and  incidental  expenses."  ^® 

Advice  to  Members. —  The  Association  also  gives  ad- 
vice to  members  on  how  to  preserve  their  legal  remedies  in 
difficulties,  and  how  to  prevent  litigation :  ^' 

"  The  usefulness  and  activities  of  the  Association  in  advising 
the  members  concerning  industrial  rights  and  labor  difficulties 
in  all  parts  of  the  country  have  never  been  so  great  as  in  the 
past  year.  Requests  are  repeatedly  received  from  associations 
for  information  and  addresses.  Forms  of  protective  contracts 
to  be  entered  into  between  manufacturers  in  support  of  the 
open  shop,  and  individual  and  collective  agreements  between 
employers  and  employees  have  been  prepared,  and  the  demands 
for  these  forms  have  been  considerable.  A  brief  examination 
of  our  records  of  the  past  four  months  relative  to  legal  advice 
shows  that  it  has  involved  the  following  cities :  Worcester, 
Bridgeport,  Boston,  Indianapolis,  Chicago,  Hamilton,  O.,  Cin- 
cinnati, Wilmington,  Philadelphia,  Fort  Smith,  Ark.,  Kansas 
City,  St.  Louis,  Minneapolis,  Seattle,  San  Francisco,  Syracuse, 
Rochester,  Elmira,  Washington,  New  Haven,  Hartford, 
Newark,  Portland,  Ore.,  Dayton,  Auburn,  Detroit,  Athol, 
Albany,  Lockport,  Cleveland,  Schenectady,  New  Britain,  Grand 
Rapids,  Pittsburgh  and  Wilkes-Barre.     In  a  number  of  these 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  463 

cities  advice  was  given  to  more  than  one  manufacturer  affecting 
more  than  one  problem,  and  in  others  the  questions  involved  the 
entire  community.  In  some  instances  negotiations  have  been 
conducted  with  the  union  resulting  in  open  shop  agreements. 
I  think  it  is  fair  to  say  that  this  four  months  of  the  work  is 
indicative  of  the  demands  made  upon  the  legal  department  for 
the  other  eight  months.  Some  of  the  difficulties  will  probably 
develop  into  interesting  suits,  but  probably  not  over  one  out  of 
thirty  of  the  difficulties  presented  to  us  normally  develop  into 
litigation.  At  this  writing  there  is  an  immediate  prospect  of 
litigation  in  Minneapolis,  St.  Louis  and  Newark,  N.  J."  ** 

Study  of  Labor  Contracts. —  The  Association  has  made 
an  extensive  study  of  all  kinds  of  contractual  relations  of 
employers  with  employees,  and  has  drawn  up  model  con- 
tracts. A  model  contract  to  be  signed  by  employers  as  an 
instrument  for  maintaining  the  open  shop  has  been  drawn 
up,  and  sent  out  to  members  of  the  Association  and  others.*® 
Likewise  a  model  contract  for  agreements  between  the  em- 
ployer and  his  employees,  to  maintain  the  open  shop  and 
avoid  sudden  strikes  has  been  formulated.  The  purpose 
of  these  contracts  has  been  thus  stated  by  the  Association :  ®° 

"  Contracts  may  yet  prove  the  most  effective  defense  against 
the  dangers  of  the  closed  shop  propaganda  and  sudden  disrup- 
tion of  the  working  force,  for  they  create  new  property  rights 
entitled  to  legal  protection  against  the  interference  of  outsiders. 
Such  contracts  may  be  of  two  classes : 

"  (i)  Contracts  with  employees  to  maintain  the  open  shop 
and  avoid  sudden  strikes;  and 

"  (2)  Contracts  with  competing  employers  to  maintain  the 
open  shop, 

"  In  either  case,  any  attempt  by  the  union  to  order  a  strike 
in  violation  of  such  a  contract,  or  any  attempt  by  persuasion  or 
threat  to  compel  any  employer  or  employees  to  violate  such 
a  contract,  constitutes  an  unlawful  act  which  may  be  enjoined 
in  appropriate  cases.  This  is  the  law  of  our  federal  courts 
and  of  most  of  our  States.  If,  under  the  circumstances,  the 
union  is  successful  in  causing  a  breach  of  agreement,  it  can  be 


464         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

mulcted  in  damages;  that  is  because  the  union  is  an  intruder 
attacking  property  rights  created  by  contract.  The  full  pro- 
tection from  such  agreements  is  so  far-reaching  that  it  is  not 
quickly  comprehended. 

"  Every  step  taken  by  a  union  or  any  outsider  to  accomplish 
the  unlawful  purpose  of  inducing  a  breach  of  contract  is  un- 
lawful, although  under  other  circumstances  the  same  step  might 
be  innocent  and  proper.  Threats  of  strikes,  persuasion  of 
employees,  peaceful  picketing,  and  payment  of  strike  benefits, 
though  frequently  held  lawful,  become  illegal  if  they  are  steps 
to  induce  the  employee  to  quit  work  or  an  employer  to  operate 
a  closed  shop  in  violation  of  agreement.  By  the  execution  of 
these  suggested  agreements,  therefore,  the  employer  broadens 
his  rights  and  remedies,  narrows  the  rights  of  the  outside 
agitator,  and  lays  the  foundation  for  injunction  and  damages 
against  labor  troubles  which  the  law  might  otherwise  sanc- 
tion." »° 

The  League  has  argued  forcibly  that  "  contracts  with 
employees  should  be  scrupulously  fair,"  and  should  be  for 
the  "  open  shop,"  but  not  anti-union  and  "  so  offensive  in 
character  as  to  call  for  unqualified  condemnation."  ^^ 

Educating  the  Public. —  The  third  object  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, as  stated,  is  "  to  educate  the  public  to  a  better  un- 
derstanding of  the  questions  relating  to  the  employment 
of  labor,"  and  accordingly  it  conducts  an  extensive  propa- 
ganda for  both  the  employer  and  the  employee,  particu- 
larly on  the  laws  relating  to  labor. ®^  It  issues  Bulletins 
to  its  members  so  that  they  may  be  informed  on  the  progress 
of  cases  it  is  prosecuting  in  the  courts,  and  on  its  success  in 
opposing  legislation  which  it  regards  as  inimical  to  the  in- 
terests of  its  members.^^  Special  Bulletins  are  issued,  as 
occasion  demands,  and  members  are  instructed  as  to  the 
action  they  should  take  in  order  to  aid  in  the  defeat  of 
such  legislation.  Bulletins  dealing  with  the  final  decisions 
of  cases,  set  forth  briefly  the  important  points  decided.** 
The  employer  is  thus  instructed  as  to  his  rights  under  the 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  465 

law,  and  how  best  he  may  protect  them.  It  is  not  unusual 
for  publications  of  other  associations  to  reprint  parts  or 
even  all  of  certain  Bulletins,  so  that  employers  in  general 
may  be  instructed. "° 

Law  and  Labor. —  In  January,  19 19,  the  League  began 
the  publication  of  a  monthly  magazine,  Law  and  Labor, 
which  reviews  the  decisions  of  courts,  and  sets  forth  the  en- 
actments of  legislative  bodies  in  regard  to  labor  matters. 
"  It  carries  articles  on  the  salient  points  of  the  law  of  the  la- 
bor problem,  deals  with  novel  measures  of  labor  legislation, 
events  of  interest  in  the  labor  field,  shop  representation 
plans,  and  other  plans  in  the  field  of  industrial  relations,"  ®® 
such  as  profit-sharing,  employee  stock-subscription  plans, 
and  other  means  designed  to  reduce  or  prevent  industrial 
unrest.®^  It  is  a  publication  that  should  be  read  by  every 
student  of  industrial  relations,  whether  he  has  a  legal  mind 
or  not.  It  furnishes  much  information  that  may  not  readily 
be  obtained  from  any  other  source. 

Other  Publications. —  The  League  has  conducted  and 
published  the  results  of  a  questionnaire  on  a  number  of  vital 
questions  in  the  labor  field.®®  It  has  also  published  briefs, 
arguments  and  decisions  in  full  of  the  more  important  cases 
it  has  prosecuted,  and  these  are  of  great  value  to  the 
counsel  for  a  concern  and  to  the  employer  and  others  with 
a  legal  mind.®®  A  series  of  pamphlets  dealing  with  the  evil 
practices  of  unionism  have  been  issued  by  the  Association, 
for  example,  "  I  Did  What  I  Did  for  Principle,"  "  Dan- 
bury  Hatters'  Case,"  "  The  Blemish  on  Trades  Unionism : 
Lawlessness."  A  more  extended  list  of  the  Association's 
publications  include  the  following ;  "  Million  Against  One, 
A  Conspiracy  to  Crush  the  Open  Shop,"  "  The  Boycott 
and  Public  Opinion,"  **  An  Analysis  of  the  Labor  Union, 
Injunction  and  Contempt  Sections  of  the  Clayton  Anti- 
Trust  Bill,"  "  Coercion  of  Congress  as  Attempted  by  Or- 
ganized Labor,"  "  The  Closed  Shop,"  "  Strikes  and  Public 


466         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Utilities ;  A  Remedy,"  "  Strikes  on  Public  Utilities ;  A  Rem- 
edy "  [different],  "Limitations  on  the  Right  to  Strike," 
"  Labor,  Law  and  Order,"  "  Domestic  Free  Trade  and  Or- 
ganized Labor,"  "  Some  Recommendations  Submitted  to  the 
United  States  Commission  on  Industrial  Relations,"  "  Some 
Phases  of  the  Federal  Industrial  Commission  Report," 
"  Davenport  Testimonial,"  "  Labor  Unions  and  the  Law," 
"  Factory  Solidarity  or  Qass  Solidarity,"  "  The  Road  to 
Industrial  Peace,"  "  Anti-Injunction  Legislation,"  "  Su- 
preme Court  of  the  State  of  New  York  Defines  Duty  of 
Transportation  Employees,"  "  Transportation  and  Public 
Rights,"  "  Two  Proposed  Statutes  Advocated  by  the  League 
for  Industrial  Rights  and  Supporting  Memorandum,"  and 
"  Social  Control  of  Industrial  Warfare."  It  has  circulated 
others,  such  as  "  The  Peril  of  the  Port  and  the  People's 
Defense."  ^^^  It  has  issued  a  number  of  semi-legal  publi- 
cations, such  as  arguments,  decisions  or  parts  of  decisions : 
"  Decision  of  Justice  Gould  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
District  of  Columbia,"  "  The  Application  of  the  Sherman 
Anti-Trust  Law  to  Labor  Boycotts,"  "  United  States  Cir- 
cuit Court  District  of  Connecticut,  Loewe  Case  or  Danbury 
Hatters'  Case,"  "  Supreme  Court  of  Connecticut  Unani- 
mously Decides  that  a  Monopoly  of  Labor  by  Closed 
Shop  Agreement  is  Unlawful,"  "  An  Analysis  of  the 
Unanimous  Decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Massa- 
chusetts Declaring  the  Anti-Injunction  Law  of  that 
State  Unconstitutional,"  "  Decision  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States  in  the  Case  of  Paine 
Lumber  Company  et  al  vs.  Elbridge  H.  Neal,  Indi- 
vidually and  as  Secretary  and  Treasurer  of  the  Joint  Dis- 
trict Council  of  New  York  and  vicinity  of  the  Brotherhood 
of  Carpenters,  etc.,  et  al,"  "  Memorandum  Relative  to  the 
Injunction  Features  of  H.  R.  15,657,"  "The  Federal 
Courts  and  the  Writ  of  Injunction  in  Labor  Controversies," 
and  "  Anti-Injunction  Legislation,"  *"^     Mr.   Daniel  Dav- 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  467 

enport,  General  Counsel  of  the  Association,  has  made  power- 
ful arguments  before  various  congressional  committees,  and 
his  statements  there  have  been  printed  separately  and  sent 
out  so  that  they  might  reach  a  wider  audience.^*^^  He  has 
also  addressed  various  other  organizations,  and  made 
strong  appeals  to  them  to  stand  for  the  open  shop  and 
against  the  boycott. ^''^  An  instance  of  the  character  of 
these  appeals  is  found  in  his  address  before  the  Washington 
County  Agricultural  Society  at  Fort  Edward,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  urged  employers,  union  men,  nonunion  men,  farmers  and 
citizens  to  stand  for  the  open  shop.^*^^  Mr.  Walter  Gordon 
Merritt,  Associate  Counsel  of  the  Association,  is  a  writer 
of  great  force  and  has  contributed  valuable  articles  to  some 
of  America's  most  noted  magazines.  These  and  other  ar- 
ticles by  him  have  been  published  in  pamphlet  form  and 
distributed  by  the  Association.^^*  His  address,  "  Labor 
Legislation  "  published  in  pamphlet  form,  is  a  distinct  con- 
tribution to  the  subject.  This  address  was  delivered  before 
the  National  Metal  Trades  Association  in  1914,  and  deals 
with  both  the  law  and  tendencies  of  labor  legislation."' 
Mr.  Merritt  is  also  a  debater  of  great  ability.  Recently,  he 
participated  in  a  debate  on  the  "  open-shop  "  question  with 
Andrew  Fureseth.  The  League  has  aided  in  the  distribution 
of  the  published  debate. 

Educating  the  Workman. —  The  League  has  recently 
taken  up  more  in  detail  the  problem  of  educating  the  work- 
man. It  has  argued  that  the  employer,  by  properly  educat- 
ing his  workmen  now  has  "  the  opportunity  to  hold  labor's 
good-will."  ^°®  It  has  analyzed  the  gains  of  the  American 
Federation  of  Labor  during  the  war,  and  has  shown  that 
the  strength  of  that  organization  is  by  no  means  as  great 
as  the  number  of  its  members  might  indicate  because  many 
of  its  members  are  not  union  men  at  heart.  It  calls 
attention  to  the  fact  that  the  employer  may  find  him- 
self   in   the   same   situation    in    regard    to   the   open-shop 


468         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

movement,  in  that  the  independent  workman  cannot  re- 
sist the  continued  agitation  of  the  union  leaders  "  un- 
less he  is  able  to  understand  and  interpret  the  prob- 
lems of  present  day  industry."  ^°®  It  outlines  the  prin- 
ciples of  economics  that  should  be  taught  to  the  work- 
men, especially  the  elements  that  enter  into  the  cost  of  pro- 
duction, such  as  interest,  taxes,  other  overhead  expenses, 
mistakes  in  factory  operation,  advertising  and  selling,  as 
well  as  the  cost  of  raw  materials  and  labor.  It  suggests 
several  methods  by  which  the  workmen  may  be  educated 
and  intimates  that  the  circulation  of  literature  is  probably 
the  least  effective. ^^'^ 

The  League  summarizes  its  educational  activities  as 
follows : 

"  Our  cases  and  briefs  have  been  the  foundation  of  much 
education  on  this  subject,  and  articles  and  speeches  prepared 
by  counsel  and  published  and  distributed  by  the  Association 
will  be  found  in  the  libraries  of  educational  institutions."  ^°^ 

"  Through  the  preparation  and  circulation  of  literature,  and 
through  public  addresses  delivered  before  many  chambers  of 
commerce  and  Employers'  Associations,  the  League  has  done 
its  part  to  forward  the  cause  of  sound  education  in  industrial 
rights."  ^°8 

Instructing  Its  Membership. —  In  accordance  with  its 
fourth  object,  the  League  endeavors  to  keep  its  membership 
advised  in  regard  to  ideas  and  experiments  in  the  field  of 
industrial  relations,  especially  the  ideas  and  experiments 
which  tend  to  promote  better  relations  between  employer 
and  workmen  on  the  open-shop  basis. ^^^  In  order  to  ad- 
vise members  in  regard  to  the  installation  of  works  councils, 
which  the  League  favors,  it  has  made  an  extended  study  of 
shop-representation  plans,  many  of  which  it  has  already 
presented  in  Law  and  Lahor}'^^  On  request,  it  draws  up 
proposed  plans  for  shop  representation  adapted  to  local  con- 
ditions.^^ ^ 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  469 

The  Association  makes  abstracts  of  and  indexes  all  court 
decisions  relating  to  labor  so  that  members  can  be  advised 
at  once  in  regard  to  their  legal  rights  in  any  state  or  federal 
court.^^^  It  has  retained  regular  counsel,  whom  members 
may  consult,  in  Chicago,  St.  Louis,  Memphis,  Seattle, 
Hartford,  besides  those  in  New  York  and  Washington, 
D.  C.^^3 

Mr.  Davenport,  General  Counsel  of  the  Association, 
devotes  himself  mainly  to  the  conduct  of  the  cases  financed 
by  the  Association,  and  to  appearing  before  legislative  com- 
mittees in  opposition  to  legislation  in  behalf  of  the  unions.^^^ 
He  "  collected  the  activities  of  the  American  Federation 
of  Labor  during  a  period  of  five  years  in  declaring  boycotts 
and  prosecuting  those  boycotts,  enforcing  them,  and  the 
instrumentalities  they  [the  unions]  employ.  ...  It  took 
a  great  deal  of  labor  to  collect  this."  ^^^  He  had  the 
Anthracite  Coal  Strike  Commission  declare  against  the  boy- 
cott in  its  report.  He  had  thus  described  his  activities  in 
this  matter : 

"  I  went  to  the  general  counsel  of  the  Delaware  &  Hudson 
Co.,  an  old  college  friend  of  mine  at  Yale,  and  suggested  to  him 
that  the  coal  companies  make  a  strong  point  in  the  hearings 
before  the  commission  of  the  matter  of  the  boycott,  in  order  to 
obtain  a  declaration  against  it,  and  I  produced  to  him  the  au- 
thorities which  I  had  collected  on  the  subject.  The  genesis  of 
what  that  tribunal  afterwards  decided  against  the  boycott  lay 
in  the  things  that  were  that  day  done."  "' 

Mr.  Merritt  holds  second  place  in  the  leadership  of  the 
Association,  and  is  in  charge  of  its  legal  department.  He 
advises  constantly  with  the  members  of  the  organization 
concerning  such  labor  troubles  as  may  confront  them,  and 
has  active  charge,  subject  to  the  supervision  of  the  General 
Counsel,  Mr.  Davenport,  of  the  important  litigation  of  the 
Association.'^^  "  Mr.  Merritt  has  made  a  very  careful 
collection  of  all  decisions  pertaining  to  labor,  has  collected 


470         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  briefs  in  those  cases  and  all  that."  ^^*    Most  of  the  con- 
duct and  activities  of  the  Association  rests  with  these  men. 
The  League  has  stated  the  results  of  its  experience  and 
its  acquisition  of  equipment  as  follows : 

"  Fifteen  years  of  experience  such  as  no  other  institution 
has  been  able  to  offer,  have  made  our  counsel  specialists  on 
the  legal  phases  of  the  labor  question  and  have  afforded  them  an 
opportunity  for  the  accumulation  of  cases,  briefs  and  records 
which  cannot  now  be  duplicated. 

"  Our  new  library  contains  every  reported  labor  case  of 
every  State  and  Federal  Court  in  this  country,  digested  in  a 
card  catalogue  index  both  as  to  subject  and  locality.  Each 
year  there  have  been  added  important  briefs,  pleadings,  con- 
tracts and  pamphlets  relative  to  this  subject.  In  view  of  the 
many  State  and  Federal  courts  throughout  the  country,  the 
conflicts  between  State  and  Federal  jurisdiction,  and  the  lack 
of  uniformity  in  the  law,  this  library,  with  its  well  ordered 
reference  to  all  phases  of  the  labor  law  in  all  the  different 
states,  is  invaluable."  ^^' 

Interrelations. —  The  relations  of  the  League  to  other 
associations  are  largely  through  co-operation  and  member- 
ship. It  co-operates  extensively  with  other  organizations 
for  mutual  ends,  and  many  of  its  members  are  also  mem- 
bers and  officers  of  other  associations.^ ^*^  For  example,  in 
opposing  legislation,  its  officers  work  harmoniously  with 
those  of  other  belligerent  associations.  It  has  been  called 
upon  to  co-operate  with  other  associations  in  matters  re- 
lating to  industrial  conflicts  and  the  litigation  growing  out 
of  them.^2^  Among  its  members  were  Mr.  C.  W.  Post,  a 
noted  leader  in  other  associations,  and  Mr.  Henry  Towne 
of  the  Yale  &  Towne  Manufacturing  Co.,  which  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  National  Founders'  Association,  the  National 
Metal  Trades  Association  and  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers.^^2  Moreover,  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  co-operated 
with  the  League  both  morally  and  financially  in  the  case  in 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  471 

re  John  B.  Adt.^^^  Probably  it  has  in  its  individual  mem- 
bership more  representative  association  leaders  than  any 
other  association,  not  excepting  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers.  With  it  is  affiliated  other  employers'  asso- 
ciations, so  that  its  association  membership  coupled  with  its 
other  interrelations,  brings  it  into  co-operation  with  most 
employers  who  stand  for  the  open  shop.^^^  An  illustra- 
tion of  these  relations  is  to  be  found  in  the  composition  of 
the  "  Citizens'  Transportation  Committee  "  of  New  York, 
which  has  among  its  committeemen  the  officers  and  mem- 
bers of  other  associations  in  part  as  follows :  Walter  Gor- 
don Merritt,  Counsel,  also  counsel  for  the  League;  Walter 
Drew,  Counsel  for  the  National  Erectors'  Association; 
Frank  B.  McCord,  member  of  the  National  Erectors'  As- 
sociation, and  formerly  member  of  the  Board  of  Governors 
of  the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  of  New 
York  as  the  representative  of  the  Iron  League  Erectors'  As- 
sociation ;  William  Fellowes  Morgan,  Chairman,  also  Presi- 
dent of  the  Merchants'  Association  of  New  York;  Lee 
Kohns,  President  New  York  Board  of  Trade  and  Transpor- 
tation; J.  Sherlock,  President  Brooklyn  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce; Henry  R.  Towne,  member  of  the  Merchants'  Asso- 
ciation of  New  York,  member  of  the  National  Founders' 
Association;  and  others. ^^'^ 

REFERENCES 

*  (Descriptive  Booklet)  League  for  Industrial  Rights,  p.  3,  (Abbre- 
viated L  F  I  R)  ;  See  also  Constitution,  American  Anti-Boycott  Asso- 
ciation, p.  2,  (Abv.Const  A  A  B  A)  :  Constitution,  League  for  Indus- 
trial Rights,  3,  (Abv.  Const).  2  (Descriptive  Booklet)  American  Anti- 
Boycott  Association — League  for  Industrial  Rights,  i,  (Abv.  A  A  B  A 
—  L  F  I  R)  ;  N(i5)'i9  Industry  11.  ^  n  '20  Law  and  Labor  250. 
*F  '07  Bulletin,  American  Anti-Boycott  Association,  p.  i,  (Abv.  F  '07 
Bui)  ;  See  also  Industrial  Relations.  Final  Report  and  Testimony, 
U.  S.  Commission  on  Industrial  Relations,  pp.  10649.  106^0,  (Abv. 
Ind  Rel) .  "  F  '07  Bui ;  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Conventicm 
of  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers.  1909,  p.  104,  (Abv.  '09 
N  A  M)  ;  My  '08  Square  Deal  47.    "  Ap  '15  American  Industries  29; 


472         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Davenport  Testimonial ;  Cf  Ind  Rel  1633.  ^  Ap  '19  Law  and  Labor 
16;  Ja  '20  Law  and  Labor  2;  S(6)'2i  Letter.  *  (Descriptive 
Booklet)  American  Anti-Boycott  Association,  p,  7,  (Abv.  A  A  B  A)  ; 
L  F  I  R  II.  9  L  F  I  R  3.  ^°  Const  6-7;  Const  A  A  B  A  5.  ^  Const 
6-7;  Const  A  A  B  A  3-6;  Ind  Rel  10650;  AABA  — LFIR8. 
"Const  4-5;  Const  A  A  B  A  2-3;  Ind  Rel  10649-50;  A  A  B  A  9; 
A  A  B  A  — L  F  I  R  11;  L  F  I  R  II.  i3  Const  2;  See  also  Const 
A  A  B  A  I ;  Ind  Rel  10646 ;  A  A  B  A  2.  i*  L  F  I  R  i ;  D  '20  Law 
and  Labor  270.  i^F  '07  Bui,  front  cover;  N(is)'i9  Industry  ii. 
"L  F  I  R  3;  See  also  A  A  B  A  — L  F  I  R  3.  "A  A  B  A  — L  F 
I  R  I.  18L  F  I  R  2;  See  also  A  A  B  A  — L  F  I  R  2.  "D(ii)'20 
Letter  and  Memorandum,  (Abv.  D(ii)'20  Letter).  2oMerritt:  Labor 
Unions  and  the  Law,  9-10.  (Abv.  Labor).  21  Labor  10.  22 Labor  12. 
23  A  A  B  A  — L  F  I  R  6.  24  Ap  '20  Law  and  Labor  82.  25  a  A  B  A  — 
L  F  I  R  3.  26  Ind  Rel  10645,  10663.  27  p  '07  Bui  15.  28  ind  Rel 
1622-23,  10647.  29  Boycott  Primer.  3o  p  '(^  Bui  7.  3iN(i5)'i9  In- 
dustry II,  12;  D  '20  Law  and  Labor  270.  ^2  p  '07  Bui  16.  33  p  '07 
Bui  14.  34  F  '07  Bui  8.  35  Ap  '19  Law  and  Labor  16.  36Au(28)'i2 
Bui;  Au(3o)'i2  Industrial  Gazette  47.  37  p  '07  Bui  12,  23,  24;  D  '12 
American  Industries  23,  38  See  "  Hearings  "  of  the  Congressional  Com- 
mittees on  the  Judiciary  and  on  Labor,  e.g.,  Injunction,  Hearings  before 
the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary,  U.  S.  House  of  Representatives  on 
H  R  23635,  1912,  pp.  261-308,  (Abv.  '12  H  I  H)  :  Limiting  Federal 
Injunction,  Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary,  U.  S. 
Senate  on  H  R  23635.  1912,  pp.  249-340,  (Abv.  '12  S  I  H)  ;  also  Con- 
trol of  Corporations,  Persons  and  Firms  Engaged  in  Interstate  Com- 
merce, Hearings  before  the  Committee  on  Interstate  Commerce,  U.  S. 
Senate,  Pursuant  to  S  Res  98,  1912,  p.  1979,  (Abv.  '12  S  C  H)  ;  Ind 
Rel  10648,  10652,  10663;  Anti-Injunction  Legislation  2-3;  Je(io)'l2 
Bui;  My(i)'i4  Bui;  A  A  B  A  — L  F  I  R  4;  N(x5)'i9  Industry  11-12. 
89  D  '12  American  Industries  23.  *<>  F  '07  Bui  2;  D  '12  American 
Industries  23.  "Davenport  on  Qayton  Anti-Trust  Bill;  D(2i)'i4 
Bui.  *2  Je(28)'i7  Bui ;  244  US*  269;  See  also  Decision  of  the  Supreme 
Court  in  the  Case  of  the  Duplex  Printing  Press  Co.  (Jan.  3,  1921).  *^ 
Const  4;  Const  AABA2;AAB  A  — L  F  I  R  8.  **  A  A  B  A  — L 
FIR  3-4.  *5  L  F  I  R  5-6 ;  Tw^o  Proposed  Statutes  Advocated  by  the 
League  for  Industrial  Rights  and  Supporting  Memorandum ;  So- 
cial Control  of  Industrial  Warfare;  Proposed  Legislation  on  Public 
Policy  and  Industrial  Warfare  Submitted  to  Industrial  Conferees, 
Washington,  D.  C,  (Abv.  Proposed  Legislation)  ;  Je  '19  Law  and 
Labor  2;  J  a  '20  Law  and  Labor  2;  N(i5)'i9  Industry  12.  ■*8D(ii)'20 
Letter.  *^  Proposed  Legislation,  etc.  ^^  Labor  15.  *^  My  '20  Law  and 
Labor  123;  D(ii)'2o  Letter,  ^o  My  '20  Law  and  Labor  129-132;  N  '20 
Law  and  Labor  264,  or  nearly  any  issue.  ^^  Ap(i7)'ig  Letter  to  As- 
sociations. ^2  My  '20  Laze  and  Labor  113,  123.  ^3  My  '20  Lazv  and 
Labor  123.    ^4  ind  Rel  1624;  Ap  '15  American  Industries  29;  Daven- 


The  League  for  Industrial  Rights  473 

port  Testimonial;  AABA  — LFIR5;LFIR4.  s«D'i2 
American  Industries  23-24;  Jl(i5)'o4  American  Industries  i.  ^^  D 
'12  American  Industries  23.  "^  D  '12  American  Industries  24;  187  Fed  * 
522;  208  US*  274;  209  Fed*  721;  235  US*  522;  Anti-Injunction 
Legislation  8^1 1;  Ind  Rel  10646,  10653,  10657-62,  and  Bulletins  for  the 
following  dates;  0(i5)'i2;  D(23)'i3;  My(ii)'i4;  F(2o)'i4;  Ja(20) 
'is;  Je(7)'iS;  and  others.  *8  p  '15  American  Industries  7.  '*  139 
Fed*  71;  189  Fed*  714;  Anti- Injunction  Legislation  11.  80222  Fed* 
342;  226  Fed*  294;  230  Fed*  303;  236  Fed*  444;  242  Fed*  357, 
"Je(7)'iS  Bui;  Mr(i)'i6  Bui;  Ap(6)'i7  Bui.  «2Jl(i8)'i7  Indus- 
trial News  Survey  3.  ^^  ind  Rel  10662.  8*My(i5)'ii  Bui;  My(i7)'il 
Bui;  My(i5)'i3  Bui;  F(2o)'i4  Bui;  My(ii)'i4  Bui;  My(i8)'i4  Bui 
Je(25)'i2  Bui;  221  US*  239.  «5My(i5)'ii  Bui.  8eAp(3o)'i3  Bui 
F(20)'i4  Bui;  Jl(27)'i4  Bui;  86  Conn*  641.  6^51  N  Y  Supp  *  877 
166  App  Div*  251;  Ap(3o)'i3  Bui;  D(2i)'i4  Bui.  88244  U  S* 
459-485;  Je(28)'i7  Bui.  Anti-Injunction  Legislation  12.  89209  Fed* 
471.  TO  70  Misc*  291;  144  A  D*  939.  '^iMy(i5)'ii  Bui; 
N(io)'i3  Bui;  My(ii)'i4  Bui;  D(2i)'i4  Bui;  Je(2o)'i6  Bui;  Jl 
(28) '17  Bui.  "My(n)'i4  Bui.  "  gg  Misc*  501;  F(2o)'i4  Bui;  D 
(2i)'i4  Bui;  Ap(5)'i5  Bui.  ''*  214  Fed*  211;  Ind  Rel  1623,  1624-25; 
F  '20  Law  and  Labor  26-27;  N(7)'i7  Bui;  My(i5)'i9  To  Our 
Members;  My(ii)'i4  Bui;  D(2i)'i4  Bui.  '^^164  N  Y  Supp*  522;  Je 
(2o)'i6  Bui;  F(i)'i7  Bui.  ^e  160  N  W  *  520;  Je(2o)'i6  Bui;  F(i)'i7 
Bui.  "100  Md*  238;  F(i)'o5  Letter.  "F(i)'i7  Bui.  ''9F(i)'i7 
Bui.  80  216  111*  454.  8ije(2o)'i6  Bui;  Mr(i)'i6  Bui.  82Au(2i)'i6 
Bui.  83N(7)'iQ  Bui  4;  My  '20  Law  and  Labor  114-116;  O  '20  Law 
and  Labor  232-234.  84  l  p  i  r  4 .  245  U.  S  ♦  229.  8=  Au  '20 
Law  and  Labor  191.  86  pm-pose  Circular.  87  p  (20)  '14  Bui.  88  Mr 
(i)'i6  Bui  9-10.  89  Ap  '19  Law  and  Labor  16;  S(27)'i5  Bui.  so  Con- 
tracts to  Protect  the  Open  Shop  and  Minimize  Strikes ;  See  also  N 
(15) '19  Industry;  My(i)'i7  Bui;  My  '20  Law  and  Labor  121-123. 
81  Jl  '20  Law  and  Labor  166 ;  See  also  Au  '20  Law  and  Labor  186,  191 ; 
N  '20  Law  and  Labor  250.  ^^  Pamphlets  themselves ;  F  '07  Bui 
6,14,20-21.  93  5„//^^-^  themselves.  »*  Special  Bulletins.  95Au(3o) 
'12  Industrial  Gazette  47;  Jl  '14  Bulletin  National  Metal  Trades 
Association;  Ap  '11  American  Industries  37-  »8  l  p  j  r  7  e?  d  '20 
Law  and  Labor  288;  Ap  '19  Law  and  Labor  16;  Au  '19  Law  and 
Labor  13;  Je  '19,  Law  and  Labor  17-19;  Ja  '20  Law  and  Labor  2; 
and  other  issues  for  1920,  pp.  142-152,  155-164,  167-184,  187-208,  210- 
228,  234-248,  251-263,  265-268,  270-282,  284-288.  88  My  '19  Law  and 
Labor  14.  ^^  D  '12  American  Industries  23;  F  '07  Bui  21-22;  Publica- 
tions themselves,  ^oo  Booklets  and  pamphlets  themselves.  101  p  '07 
Bui;  Parts  of  "Hearings."  102  Anti-Injunction  Bill,  Complete  Hear- 
ings before  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary,  U.  S.  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, 1904,  pp.  199,  200,  (Abv.  '04  H  I  H)  ;  '09  N  A  M  104-105. 
''^^^  S(i)'04  American  Industries,  Supplement  1-4.    *o*  Pamphlets  them- 


474         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

selves.  ^°'  Pamphlet  itself ;  Synopsis  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  . 
Annual  Convention,  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  1914,  p.  185. 
108  o  '20  Law  and  Labor  230-232.  i"'^  A  A  B  A  —  L  F  I  R  7.  io»  Ja 
'20  Law  and  Labor  2.  lo^  N(i5)'i9  Industry  11.  "o  F  '20  Law  and 
Labor  51;  My  '20  Law  and  Labor  137-139.  m  Ja  '20  Law  and  Labor 
2.  112  Ap  '19  Law  and  Labor  16.  ii3N(ig)'ig  Industry  11.  11*  D 
'12  American  Industries  23.  iis'12  S  I  H  290-291.  ii6'i2  H  I  H 
284-285.  1"  D  '12  American  Industries  23 ;  A  A  B  A  8.  "8  Ind  Rel 
10662.  "»A  A  B  A  — L  F  I  R  7;  See  also  L  F  I  R  7.  "o  Labor  5; 
'04  H  I  H  67;  D  '12  American  Industries  23.  121  ja  '20  Law  and 
Labor  2.  122  Ljgt  of  Members  of  these  associations ;  Political  Activities 
of  the  Manufacturers ;  F  '07  Bui  7 ;  See  also  interrelations  of  N  A  M 
above.  i23F(i)'os  Letter.  ^^*  A  A  B  A  — L  F  I  R  9.  125  Je  '20 
Law  and  Labor  152-155;  The  Peril  of  the  Port  and  the  People's 
Defense  2;  Lists  of  Members  of  the  various  associations,  e.g.,  of 
the  Building  Trades  Employers'  Association  of  the  City  of  New  York, 
pp.  6,  44  (1920  issue). 

*  No  key  to  the  abbreviations  for  legal  citations  has  been  deemed 
necessary. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

THE  NATIONAL  INDUSTRIAL  CONFERENCE 
BOARD 

The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  is  a  new 
type  of  employers'  association.  It  is  an  informal  federation 
of  other  associations,  and  functions  mainly  through  extended 
investigations  and  reports  on  the  most  vital  of  current  in- 
dustrial problems.  Its  other  functions  have  grown  out  of 
its  investigations  and  reports. 

Membership,  Structure  and  Government. —  The  Con- 
ference Board  is  now  composed  of  twenty-six  national  as- 
sociations and  four  state  associations.*  In  the  membership 
of  these  affiliated  associations  are  found  "  over  fifty  thou- 
sand representative  concerns  employing  over  seven  millions 
of  workers."  ^  Each  affiliated  national  association  may  ap- 
point two  delegates  and  each  state  association,  one  delegate. 
These  delegates  form  the  general  governing  body  of  the 
Board.  1 

The  Board  is  a  federation  pure  and  simple.  While  the 
policies  of  the  Board  are  determined  by  the  delegates  of 
the  affiliated  associations,  the  member  associations  are  not 
bound  by  the  acts  of  the  Board  except  when  their  delegates 
commit  them  to  particular  policies  in  special  cases.  These 
associations,  therefore,  may  or  may  not  adopt  the  sugges- 
tions of  the  Board  in  each  and  every  instance.^ 

The  Board  neither  has  nor  needs  a  formal  constitution. 
Its  governmental  machinery  is  very  simple.  The  delegates 
of  the  affiliated  associations  elect  an  Executive  Committee  of 
seven  members,  to  which  many  matters  are  referred  for  ac- 
tion.    Of  the  seven  members  of  the  Executive  Committee, 

*  See  p.  493  for  list. 

475 


476         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

four  are  the  regular  administrative  officers  of  the  Board, 
namely,  the  Chairman,  the  Vice-Chairman,  the  Treasurer, 
and  the  Managing  Director.  The  Board  performs  its 
functions  through  its  delegates,  its  Executive  Committee,  its 
administrative  officers,  other  committees,  such  as  a  Com- 
mittee on  Education,  and  a  research  staff.  It  is  also  assisted 
by  financial  subscribers  and  councilors,  and  its  committees 
frequently  contain  others  than  delegates.^ 

Funds. —  The  Board  depends  entirely  on  voluntary 
subscriptions  by  co-operating  associations  and  individuals 
for  the  funds  for  carrying  on  its  work.  Its  funds  are 
secured  "  largely  from  individual  employers  and  public- 
spirited  citizens.  At  the  present  time  there  are  approxi- 
mately five  hundred  employers  contributing  to  the  Board's 
work."  ^  No  statement  is  available  which  gives  the  total 
of  these  contributions,  but  occasional  reference  to  contribu- 
tions by  co-operating  associations  and  individual  corpora- 
tions indicates  that  the  total  sum  is  considerable.  Up  to 
April,  19 1 7,  it  was  stated  that  about  $100,000  annually  had 
already  been  pledged  by  individual  industrial  corporations; 
and  later  in  that  year  the  National  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion contributed  $5,000  for  one  year  ^  and  with  perhaps 
one  exception  has  annually  since  then  contributed  $5,000.* 
The  United  Typothetse  of  America,  however,  made  no  con- 
tributions prior  to  1919,^  but  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers  contributed  a  total  of  $4,906.36  in  the  two- 
year  period  1917-1919,  expended  $7,162.42  on  this  account 
for  the  year  1919-1920,  and  voted  an  appropriation  of 
$5,000  for  membership  for  the  following  year.^ 

Character,  Purposes  and  Scope. —  The  following  per- 
tinent statements  have  been  given  in  regard  to  the  character, 
purposes  and  the  scope  of  the  work  of  the  Board : 

"  The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  was  founded 
in  May,  1916,  as  a  federation  of  American  industries  to  pro- 
mote industrial  stability  and  prosperity  through  the  study  of 


-;^' 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  477 

economic  problems  and  suggestions  for  their  solution,  and  to 
stimulate  constructive  action  on  questions  of  vital  importance 
to  the  industrial  welfare  of  the  country.  .  .  . 

"  The  Conference  Board  is  not  an  organization  working 
specifically  in  the  interests  of  employers  as,  for  example,  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor  functions  for  the  special  benefit 
of  employees.  The  Board  virtually  stands  between  employers 
and  employees  as  a  Research  Organization  engaged  solely  in 
making  scientific  investigations  in  industrial  economics  and  as 
the  disseminator  of  the  facts  so  ascertained.  Its  work,  there- 
fore, benefits  both  employees  and  employers  through  the  un- 
biased presentation  of  industrial  facts  which  point  the  way 
for  such  remedial  action  as  may  appear  necessary  for  the 
general  welfare  of  industry.  .  .  . 

"  When  first  organized  the  National  Industrial  Conference 
Board  established  a  few  simple  rules  of  procedure  which  have 
been  gradually  expanded  with  the  growth  of  the  organization. 
Its  character,  purposes  and  the  scope  of  its  work  are  clearly 
stated  in  the  following  resolution  adopted  by  its  members : 

" '  Whereas,  accurate,  scientific  investigation,  careful  analysis 
of  pertinent  facts,  and  exercise  of  trained  judgment  on  the 
basis  of  the  facts  established  are  essential  to  the  solution  of 
the  many  difficult  problems  which  confront  industry ;  and 

" '  Whereas,  The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  was 
organized  in  May,  1916,  constituted  of  persons  designated  by 
and  from  National  and  State  Industrial  Associations,  to  provide 
a  Bureau  of  Scientific  Research,  a  Clearing  House  of  Informa- 
tion, a  Forum  for  Discussion  and  the  means  whereby  Co-op- 
erative Action  may  be  taken  on  matters  that  vitally  affect  the  in- 
dustrial development  of  the  country  and  all  engaged  in  industry  : 

" '  Now,  Therefore,  in  order  that  the  Character,  Purposes 
and  Scope  of  Activity  of  the  National  Industrial  Conference 
Board  may  be  clearly  defined  it  was, 

"  '  "  Resolved,  That  the  fundamental  purpose  of  the  National 
Industrial  Conference  Board  is  to  promote  the  public  welfare  by 
bringing  together  the  collective  experience  of  those  engaged  in 
industry,  by  studying  industrial  and  economic  conditions,  and 
by  disseminating  well-considered  views  thereon,  as  its  contribu- 
tion to  the  solution  of  the  problems  of  industry; 


478         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

" ' "  That  the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  pledges 
its  energy  and  resources  to  this  work,  to  be  carried  on  in  the 
open-minded  and  straightforward  spirit  which  should  char- 
acterize all  efforts  of  a  scientific  nature,  fully  utilizing  the 
views  and  experiences  of  those  familiar  with  industrial  prob- 
lems and  always  seeking  to  learn  and  promulgate  the  truth ; 

" '  "  That  the  Board  will  refrain  from  all  political  activity 
and  will  in  all  respects  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the 
laws  relating  thereto ;  and 

"  *  "  That,  specifically,  the  objects  of  the  Board  are : 

it  t<(  ( p{j.^f  —  Yo  make  impartial  investigations  in  the  field 
of  industrial  economics  and,  to  this  end,  to  co-operate  with  indi- 
viduals, institutions,  associations  and  agencies  of  Government; 

"  ""  Second  —  To  aid  in  securing  on  the  basis  of  established 
economic  facts  underlying  and  affecting  industrial  conditions, 
joint  deliberation  of  manufacturers  and  associations  of  manu- 
facturers in  the  United  States; 

"  ""  Third  —  To  secure,  analyze  and  disseminate  informa- 
tion concerning  industrial  problems  and  experience  in  the 
United  States  and  other  countries; 

"  '  "  '  Fourth  —  To  promote  good  understanding  and  friendly 
relations  between  employees  and  employers  for  the  benefit  of 
both,  and  between  those  engaged  in  industry  and  the  public  for 
the  general  good  of  the  community ; 

"  ""  Fifth  —  To  make  the  results  of  its  research  and  collec- 
tive experience  available  to  governmental  agencies  when  in- 
dustrial and  economic  legislation  and  policies  are  being  formu- 
lated, in  an  endeavor  to  secure  sympathetic  consideration  of 
its  views  and  opinions,  and 

*' ""  Sixth  —  In  general,  to  encourage  and  promote  the 
sound  development  of  American  industry  by  all  proper  and 
legitimate  means.'  "  '  "  *,  ,  . 

"  The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  is  *  American  in- 
dustry's instrument  of  research  in  the  field  of  industrial  eco- 
nomics.    Its  aim  is  to  promote  the  welfare  of  industry  in  gen- 

*  Earlier  statements  of  purposes  show  that  the  Board  has  changed 
its  objects  in  several  particulars.  In  the  beginning,  it  was  stated  that, 
"The  efforts   of  the   Board  will   lie  along  four  major  lines: 

"  I.  To  stimulate  the  employer  to  maintain  good  conditions  of  work, 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  479 

eral  rather  than  to  render  personal  service  to  individual 
employers  or  corporations.'  "  * 

Reasons  for  Formation. —  The  conditions  and  causes 
that  led  to  the  formation  of  the  Board  in  May,  19 16,  may 
be  summed  up  as  a  lack  of  a  co-operative  organization  of 

to  provide  fair  treatment  for  his  workers,  and  to  take  a  personal 
interest  in  them. 

"2.  To  encourage  and  assist  the  employee  to  increase  his  efficiency, 
to  utilize  his  opportunities  for  self  improvement,  and  to  develop  a  fair 
and  intelligent  attitude  toward  his  employer  and  his  fellow  workmen. 

"3.  To  educate  the  citizen  to  appreciate  the  value  of  stable  and 
successful  industry  and  its  relation  to  the  well-being  of  the  individual 
and  to  the   prosperity  of  the  nation. 

"4.  To  enlist  the  co-operation  of  the  Government  in  developing  the 
industrial  advancement  of  the  nation  by  means  of  equitable  and  sound 
legislation  and  its   effective  enforcement."  ^^ 

Later  on,  the  purposes   were   outlined  as   follows : 

"  The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  is  an  organization  in 
which  American  industries  are  associated  for  the  common  purpose  of 
promoting  the  stability  and  prosperity  of  Industrial  America.  The 
objects    of    the   Board    are: 

"  First :  To  ascertain  pertinent  economic  facts  underlying  and  af- 
fecting industrial  conditions,  and  to  draw  from  them  justified  conclu- 
sions ; 

"Second:  To  secure  on  this  basis  joint  deliberation  and  joint  action 
by  the  manufacturers  of  the  country  through  their  chosen  delegates, 
for   the   sound   development   of   American   industry; 

"  Third :  To  promote  understanding  and  satisfactory  relations  be- 
tween employers  and  employees  as  an  essential  basis  for  the  conduct 
of  industry  and  the  welfare  of  the  nation; 

"  Fourth :  To  give  the  public  an  accurate  conception  of  the  character, 
scope,  and  importance  of  industry,  its  needs  and  its  intimate  relation 
to  individual  and  national  well-being,  to  the  end  that  this  knowledge 
may  be  reflected  in  an  intelligent  public  opinion  and  in  wise  legislation; 

"Fifth:  To  command,  by  the  justice  of  its  contentions,  the  force  of 
its  collective  experience,  and  the  strength  of  its  representative  char- 
acter, the  attention  of  the  Government  when  formulating  industrial 
legislation   and   policies. 

"  In  pursuance  of  this  program  the  National  Industrial  Conference 
Board  has  so  organized  its  activities  that  it  is  virtually  an  agency  for 
the  collection  and  dissemination  of  pertinent  facts  and  opinions,  a 
forum  for  constructive  discussion,  and  an  instrument  for  co-operative 
action  on  matters  vitally  affecting  the  industrial  development  of  the 
nation."  ^^ 


480         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

associations  and  a  keen  realization  of  the  need  for  united 
action  on  a  national  scale.  More  in  detail,  the  reasons  for 
the  formation  of  the  Board  have,  in  part,  thus  been  given : 

"  The  United  States  has  grown  within  less  than  a  century 
from  a  primarily  agricultural  community  into  the  first  manu- 
facturing nation  of  the  world.  .  .  .  This  marvelous  transforma- 
tion has  been  accompanied  by  vast  changes  in  the  social,  eco- 
nomic, and  political  life  of  the  nation.  These  changes  have  in 
turn  created  great  industrial  problems  which  have  often  been 
met  by  temporary  adjustment  rather  than  by  permanent  solu- 
tion. The  industrial  situation  created  by  wartime  neces- 
sities [has]  added  to  the  complications  already  existing. 
Today,  the  intricate  problems  of  the  pending  industrial  read- 
justment press  for  solution  and  accentuate  the  imperative  need 
for  clear  thinking  and  sound  business  and  governmental  pol- 
icies." " 

"  Every  person  who  has  the  welfare  of  the  country  at  heart 
is  anxious  to  see  dissipated  the  antagonism  which  manifests 
itself  from  time  to  time  between  employers  and  wage  earners, 
between  the  Government  and  the  manufacturer  who  believes 
that  he  is  being  discriminated  against,  between  the  public  and 
the  organizations  whose  actions  sometimes  excite  suspicion  of 
the  underlying  motives.  It  would  be  important  for  this  coun- 
try if  mutual  understanding  and  confidence  could  supplant 
misunderstanding.  This  can  only  be  accomplished  by  a  study 
of  the  whole  industrial  problem.  The  manufacturing  industry 
bears  a  very  important  relation  to  the  progress  and  prosperity 
of  the  country.  .  .  .  The  future  holds  many  uncertainties,  .  .  . 
there  are  many  problems  which  need  study  and  adjustment. 
It  is  perfectly  plain  that,  if  a  body  of  men  qualified  in  their 
own  business  constitute  themselves  a  committee  of  education 
and  give  to  the  problem  of  the  manufacturing  industry  close 
and  thorough  study,  much  good  will  result.  The  dissipation 
of  false  impressions  means  the  welding  of  co-operation.  .  .  . 
Recent  years  have  been  prolific  of  legislation  affecting  industry 
in  the  United  States,  and  there  have  been  complaints  by  manu- 
facturers that  some  of  this  legislation  was  not  adapted  to  the 
situation  and  was  adverse  to  the  best  public  interest.     The  fact 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  481 

that  the  public  did  not  approve  of  these  protests  may  have  been 
due  to  two  causes :  one  that  the  protests  were  not  well  founded ; 
and  the  other,  that  the  public  was  suspicious  of  the  manufac- 
turer and  his  good  intentions.  This  could  not  exist  if  the 
manufacturing  industry  was  in  a  position  to  present  the  issues 
to  the  jury  of  the  public,  which  is  always  unbiased  when  it  is 
certain  of  facts."  ^^ 

"If  American  industry  is  to  have  its  proper  share  in  the  solu- 
tion of  these  problems  it  must  be  organized  for  the  task.  It 
must  have  a  collective  opinion  and  an  appropriate  channel 
through  which  to  give  authoritative  expression  to  its  collective 
judgment  on  questions  vitally  affecting  the  welfare  of  industry 
and  of  the  nation.  While  many  industrial  associations  had 
been,  and  are  now,  performing  indispensable  service  to  their 
members  in  the  study  of  industrial  problems,  they  had  no  effec- 
tive machinery  to  co-ordinate  their  efforts  in  dealing  with  many 
problems  common  to  all."  ^* 

"  A  sound  solution  of  the  problems  constantly  confronting 
American  industry  is  essential  to  the  development  of  enterprise, 
the  well-being  of  the  workers  and  the  progress  of  the  Nation, 
It  calls  for  thorough  study,  broad  consideration,  and  intelligent 
action."  ^^  "  It  is  the  purpose  of  the  new  Conference  Board 
to  consider  all  the  problems  which  confront  the  manufacturing 
industry  by  first  establishing  a  thorough  knowledge  of  all  the 
essential  elements  involved."  *' 

"  The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  is  the  response 
to  the  demand  for  co-operation  among  manufacturers.  It  was 
organized  to  unify  and  centralize  the  efforts  of  industrial  as- 
sociations in  studying  and  solving  the  economic  problems  of 
industry  and  to  take  constructive  action  in  respect  to  issues  vital 
to  the  welfare  of  all;"  "  "  It  is  a  connecting  link  between 
various  national  associations  for  comprehensive  study  of  com- 
mon problems,  for  broad-gauged  discussion  of  such  problems 
with  due  regard  to  the  interests  of  the  various  industries,  and, 
when  so  decided,  for  united  action  in  securing  the  elements 
essential  for  industrial  prosperity."  ^*  "  This  Conference 
Board  seeks  not  only  co-operation  between  its  members,  but  be- 
tween its  members  and  their  employees,  and  between  the 
manufacturer  and  the  Government."  '" 


482         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

"  The  objects  of  the  Board,  when  carried  into  effect,  will 
benefit  the  nation  by  advancing  its  industrial  prosperity  and 
prestige,  and  will  also  benefit  individual  industries  by  studying 
and  pointing  out  the  underlying  principles  of  relationship  of 
employer  to  employee  and  of  both  to  the  Government,  in 
order  to  find  equitable  solutions  for  many  pressing,  funda- 
mental, industrial  problems."  ^°  "  The  scope  of  the  Board's 
work  is  as  broad  as  the  field  of  the  influences  that  tend  to 
promote  or  retard  industrial  progress."  ^ 

"  In  pursuance  of  this  program,  under  the  Board's  direction, 
a  staff  of  experts  in  the  field  of  industry  and  economics  has 
made  and  is  making  searching  inquiry  into  fundamental  in- 
dustrial and  economic  truths.  Their  research  activities  cover 
a  wide  field  of  study  as  is  shown  by  the  many  Research  and 
Special  Reports  which  have  been  issued.  These  reports,  in 
concise  form,  have  been  widely  distributed  and  quite  uni- 
versally accepted  as  authoritative  by  Government  officials, 
Congress,  state  legislatures,  economists  and  students  of  in- 
dustrial affairs,  employers  and  representatives  of  employees. 
They  are  frequently  quoted  from  and  commented  upon  in 
newspapers,  technical  journals  and  other  periodicals,  even  in 
foreign  countries.  In  many  instances  they  have  formed  the 
basis  for  the  fair  settlement  of  controversies  and  have  stimu- 
lated the  development  of  amicable  industrial  relations."  ^^ 

Research  Work. —  Extended  investigations  on  subjects 
in  which  there  is  great  need  for  more  than  superficial  in- 
formation, subjects  which  involve  the  vital  issues  of  the 
industrial  conflict,  have  been  undertaken  by  the  Board's 
staff  of  research  experts.  This  staff  is  under  the  im- 
mediate direction  of  the  Managing-Director,  Mr.  M.  W. 
Alexander,^^  who  made  the  foundation  study  in  labor  turn- 
over, a  scientific  investigation  of  great  merit,  which  others 
have  since  elaborated  upon.  Such  noted  economists  as  Dr. 
J.  Laurence  Laughlin,  formerly  Professor  of  Political 
Economy  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  have  served  on  the 
research  staff  o^f  the  Board. ^^  "  The  Board  enters  on  such 
researcn  with  fixed  principles   but  without  preconceived 


:« 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  483 

opinions  except  that  it  believes  in  a  high  conception  of  equit- 
able human  relationships  and  in  the  preservation  of 
individual  opportunity  and  freedom  of  action  as  great  as 
compatible  with  the  public  welfare."  ^°  The  Research  Re- 
ports of  the  Board  are  free  from  inflammatory  statements, 
and  from  denunciatory  language.  They  have  all  the  ear- 
marks of  scientific  work.* 

*  Not  all  the  publications  of  the  Board  are  free  from  denunciatory 
language,  nor  is  the  Board  itself  able  to  keep  its  members  from 
giving  unscientific  characterizations  to  its  work.  The  following  quo- 
tations taken  from  the  official  publications  of  one  of  the  affiliated  asso- 
ciations will  indicate  how  the  work  of  the  Board  is  regarded  by  (i) 
one  of  the  delegates,  now  on  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Board, 
and  presumably  its  spokesman  in  setting  forth  the  purpose  of  the 
Board,  (2)  an  officer  of  another  national  association,  also  a  delegate : 

Mr.  William  H.  Barr,  President  of  the  National  Founders'  Asso- 
ciation, in  addressing  the  National  Metal  Trades  Association  in  con- 
vention assembled,  among  other  thing,   said    (Italics  mine)  : 

"  With  the  aid  of  its  Bureau  of  Industrial-Economic  Research, 
the  Board  will  address  its  efforts  to  the  important  work  of  furnishing 
through  the  public  press,  the  public  forum,  and  other  legitimate  means, 
the  employers'  views  and  convictions  on  industrial  questions.  For 
this  purpbse  a  competent  staff  of  experts  is  being  organized  under 
the  leadership  of  a  managing  director  to  co-operate  with  the  con- 
stituent associations  and  other  similar  bodies  on  all  matters  of  com- 
mon interest,  and  to  assist  individual  employers  in  the  practical 
application   of   constructive   policies."  ^o 

The  President  of  the  National  Metal  Trades  Association  —  Mr.  J.  W. 
O'Leary  —  said  in  1920,  "The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board 
is  of  further  great  value  in  that  it  is  bringing  about  uniformity  of 
thought  and  action  among  employers,  woefully  lacking  in  the  past. 
We  are  thinking  together ;  after  all,  thinking  together  is  what  the 
National  Metal  Trades  Association  is  accomplishing  in  the  metal  trades 
industry."  ^^ 

Whether  Mr.  Barr,  in  addressing  other  associations  on  the  work 
of  the  Board  in  order  to  secure  their  co-operation  with  the  Board,  thus 
misrepresented  the  original  purposes  of  the  Board,  or  whether  the 
purposes  have  undergone  a  great  change,  we  have  no  facts  at  hand 
from  which  to  judge.  The  Board  now  strongly  objects  to  a  state- 
ment that  the  Board  is  endeavoring  to  set  forth  "  the  employers'  views 
and  convictions  on  industrial  questions."  ^s  Mr.  O'Leary,  on  the  other 
hand,  in  his  statement  about  "  uniformity  of  thought  and  action  among 
employers,"  leaves  the  impression  that  the  employers  are  becoming 
more  clearly  class-conscious  as  a  result  of  the  efforts  of  the  Board. 


484         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Reports. —  As  a  result  of  these  investigations,  the  Board 
issues  Research  Reports.  These  Reports,  while  covering 
the  subject  adequately,  are  concise  in  form.  They  are 
distributed  widely  among  manufacturers,  economists,  col- 
leges, libraries,  the  daily  and  periodical  press,  and  other  in- 
stitutions and  individuals  interested  in  industrial  prob- 
lems.^ ^  The  following  Reports  have  been  issued  or  are 
being  prepared :  "  Workmen's  Compensation  Acts  in  the 
United  States  —  the  Legal  Phase";  "Sickness  Insurance 
or  Sickness  Prevention " ;  "  Extent  and  Causes  of  Ab- 
sence Among  Industrial  Workers  "  ;  "  The  Eight-Hour  Day 
Defined  " ;  "  Practical  Experience  with  the  Work  Week  of 
48  Hours  or  Less  " ;  "  Rest  Periods  for  Industrial  Work- 
ers " ;  "  Hours  of  Work  as  Related  to  Output  and  Health 
of  Workers"; — (i)  "Cotton  Manufacturing";  (2) 
"  Boot  and  Shoe  Industry  "  ;  (3)  "  Wool  Manufacturing  ": 
(4)  "  Silk  Manufacturing  " ;  (5)  "  Metal  Manufacturing  In- 
dustries " ;  "  The  Hours-of-Work  Program  in  Five  Major 
Industries " ;  "  Analysis  of  British  Wartime  Reports  on 
Hours  of  Work  as  Related  to  Output  and  Fatigue  "  ;  "  War- 
time Employment  of  Women  in  the  Metal  Trades " ; 
"  Strikes  in  American  Industry  in  Wartime  " ;  "  Wartime 
Changes  in  the  Cost  of  Living: — (i)  "July,  1914  to 
Jime,  1918";  (2)  "July,  1914  to  November,  1918";  (3) 
"July,  1914,  to  March,  1919"  ;  "Changes  in  the  Cost  of 
Living:— (i)  "July,  1914  to  July,  1919"  ;  (2)  "July, 
1914  to  November,  1919  "  ;  (3)  "July,  1914,  to  March, 
1920";  (4)  "July,  1914,  to  July,  1920";  (5)  "July,  1914, 
to  November,  1920";  (6)  "July,  1914,  to  March, 
1921  ";  "Wages  in  Great  Britain,  France,  and  Ger- 
many"; "Wage  Changes  in  Industry,  September,  1914. 
to  December,  1920 " ;  "  Wartime  Changes  in  Wages, 
September,  1914,  to  March,  1919";  "Changes  in  Wages 
During  and  Since  the  War  " ;  "  The  Cost  of  Living  Among 
Wage-Earners  ":  (i)  "  Fall  River,  Mass.,  October,  1919  "; 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  485 

(2)  "Lawrence,  Mass.,  November,  1919";  "Problems  of 
Industrial  Readjustment  in  the  United  States " ;  "  The 
National  War  Labor  Board";  "Arbitration  and  Wage- 
Fixing  in  Australia  "  ;  "  Conciliation  and  Arbitration  in  New 
Zealand  ";  "  The  Canadian  Industrial  Disputes  Investigation 
Act  " ;  "  Works  Councils  in  the  United  States  " ;  "  A  Works 
Council  Manual " ;  "  Practical  Experience  with  Profit- 
Sharing  in  Industrial  Establishments  " ;  "  Health  Service  in 
Industry";  "Cost  of  Health  Service  in  Industry"; 
"  Unemployment  in  the  United  States  " ;  "  Family  Budgets 
of  American  Wage-Earners  " ;  "  Experience  With  Trade 
Union  Agreements  —  Clothing  Industries."  ^° 

Other  Investigations  and  Publications. —  The  Board 
has  also  been  credited  with  a  number  of  other  investiga- 
tions, among  which  are  the  following :  A  study  was  made 
which  indicates  "  that  distribution  of  excess  over  alleged 
reasonable  salaries  in  American  industry  would  have  no  ap- 
preciable effect  on  wages," — that  only  "a  trifling  increase 
in  wages  would  be  obtained  by  reducing  all  higher  salaries 
to  $5,000  annually."  ^^  It  is  said  that  the  Board  furnished 
data  to  the  coal  operators  to  prove  to  the  conference  on 
miners'  wages  that  the  figures  presented  by  the  union  of- 
ficials on  the  costs  of  living  were  exaggerated  and  the  lists 
were  padded. ^^  It  is  stated  that  the  Board  made  a  study, 
during  the  1920  Cincinnati  strike  of  machinists,  in  which 
a  comparison  of  the  costs  of  living  with  the  wages  the 
machinists  received  before  the  strike,  was  made.^^  The 
Board  has  demonstrated  that  wholesale  prices  of  com- 
modities do  not  form  an  entirely  accurate  basis  for  estimat- 
ing increases  in  the  cost  of  living,  because  the  average 
family  budget  is  made  up  of  a  number  of  items  not  in- 
cluded in  the  list  of  commodities,  and  retail  prices  are  not 
always  proportionate  to  wholesale  prices.^*  The  rigid  "  cost- 
of-living  "  theory  as  a  basis  for  wage  increases,  has  been  at- 
tacked by  the  Board  as  economically  unsound, — "  The  wage 


486         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

should  reflect  in  a  fair  measure  the  quantity  and  quahty 
of  the  services  rendered."  ^'^  The  Board  has  been  credited 
with  an  investigation  of  wage  increases  that  shows  that 
the  wage  increases  in  certain  industries  from  September, 
1 914,  to  March,  1920,  have  averaged  150  per  cent,  which 
is  said  to  be  considerably  greater  than  the  cost  of  living 
during  that  period,^® 

The  Board  appointed  a  commission  of  manufacturers 
in  the  Spring  of  1919  to  visit  Europe  to  study  and  report 
on  current  industrial  conditions  in  Great  Britian,  France, 
Belgium  and  Italy.  These  manufacturers  were  accom- 
panied by  trained  investigators.^''^  They  were  absent  from 
the  United  States  from  March  i,  19 19,  to  May  iS,  1919. 
The  results  of  the  investigation  have  been  embodied  in  two 
reports.  The  first,  an  "  Interim  Report  of  the  European 
Commission,"  indicates  that  the  study  was  confined  almost 
entirely  to  employment  relations.^®  The  second  report  — 
"  Problems  of  Labor  and  Industry  in  Great  Britain,  France 
and  Italy " —  presents  a  more  detailed  discussion  of  the 
problems  outlined  in  the  first  report.^^ 

The  Board  has  prepared  and  circulated  numerous  Special 
Reports  and  Monographs  on  a  variety  of  subjects,  among 
which  are  the  following :  "  The  Vital  Issues  in  the  In- 
dustrial Conference  at  Washington,  D.  C,  October  6  to 
23,  1919";  "Statement  of  Principles  Which  Should 
Govern  the  Employment  Relation  in  Industry  " ;  "  Is  Com- 
pulsory Health  Insurance  Desirable?"  "War  Revenue 
Act  of  1918  —  a  Brief  Analysis";  "A  Case  of  Federal 
Propaganda  in  Our  Public  Schools  " ;  "  The  Cost  of  Living 
Among  Wage-Earners:  (i)  North  Hudson  County,  New 
Jersey,  January,  1920;  (2)  Greenville  and  Pelzer,  South 
Carolina,  and  Charlotte,  North  Carolina,  January  and  Feb- 
ruary, 1920;  (3)  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  May,  1920;  (4) 
Worcester,  Massachusetts,  June,  1920";  "Proceedings  of 
the  National  Industrial  Tax  Conference  at  Chicago,  Illinois, 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  487 

April  16,  1920";  "Should  Trade  Unions  and  Employers' 
Associations  Be  Made  Legally  Responsible?"  "The 
Closed  Union  Shop  versus  the  Open  Shop :  Their  Social 
and  Economic  Value  Compared  "  ;  "  Should  the  State  In- 
terfere in  the  Determination  of  Wage  Rates?"  "Unwar- 
ranted Conclusions  Regarding  the  Eight-Hour  and  Ten- 
Hour  Workday  " ;  and  "  Problems  of  Labor  and  Industry 
in  Germany."  The  Board  has  also  distributed  a  booklet 
on  the  "  Elements  of  the  Labor  Problem "  by  M.  W. 
Alexander.^® 

The  Conference  Board  "  has  from  time  to  time  issued 
patriotic  leaflets  for  wide  circulation  among  employees  in 
commemoration  of  special  events,  thereby  assisting  in  the 
work  of  Americanization."  *^  For  instance,  there  has  been 
issued  "  Our  Country  "  and  "  Our  Independence  Day  "  for 
the  Fourth  of  July;  "The  Birthday  of  Our  Constitution" 
and  "Constitution  Day"  for  September  17;  and  "A 
Lincoln  Day  Message  "  for  February  12.'*° 

Methods  Used  in  Conducting  Research  Work. —  In 
the  preparation  of  the  reports  and  other  publications  of  the 
Board,  the  methods  employed  may  well  be  characterized  as 
non-individualistic,  even  to  a  far  greater  extent  than  those  of 
the  departments  of  the  Federal  Government,  since  "  no  indi- 
vidual writes  any  report "  or  receives  any  credit  for  helping 
prepare  it.  A  Memorandum  of  the  Board  outlines  the  pro- 
cedure of  the  Research  Staff  as  follows: 

"  At  the  monthly  meetings  of  the  delegates,  the  work  of  the 
Board's  Research  StaflF  is  carefully  reviewed  and  new  lines  of 
investigation  are  planned.  Frequently  prominent  industrialists 
and  economists,  who  are  not  members  of  the  Board  or  its  staff, 
participate  in  the  discussions,  so  that  the  Board's  reports  reflect 
the  joint  conclusions  of  competent  business  men  and  research 
students  based  on  ascertained  facts.  Broad  policies  of  action 
with  regard  to  matters  having  an  important  relation  to  the 
welfare  of  industry  are  also  discussed  at  these  meetings.     The 


488         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Board's  researches  and  deliberations  are  conducted  without  any 
reference  to  partisan  political  opinions." 

Mr.  M.  W.  Alexander,  Managing-Director  of  the  Board, 
in  an  address  before  the  thirty-third  annual  convention  of 
the  United  Typothetae  of  America,  has  said,  among  other 
things,  that, 

"  Industrial  research  .  .  .  became  the  foundation  stone  on 
which  the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  was  built.  .  .  . 
Now  industrial  research  is  a  slow  process,  and  we  have 
very  likely  sorely  tried  the  patience  of  some  of  the  member 
Associations  of  our  Board  and  of  their  representatives,  in 
our  monthly  meetings  —  and  one  of  these  will  last  all  day  to- 
morrow at  the  Hotel  Astor  —  but  gradually  we  showed  that 
we  had  pitched  our  work  on  the  right  foundation.  At  first, 
met  by  the  skepticism,  the  suspicion  and  even  the  hos- 
tility of  professional  economists,  of  men  and  women  interested 
in  the  advancement  of  social  progress,  we  have  gradually 
succeeded  in  dispelling  that  suspicion  and  in  receiving  recog- 
nition that  we  are  earnestly  endeavoring  not  to  plead  a  special 
cause,*  but  to  find  the  real  reason  for  existing  conditions.  .  .  . 

"  Now  there  is  one  thing  in  regard  to  these  reports  which 
you  ought  to  know.  No  report  is  signed  by  any  individual. 
No  individual  writes  any  report.  On  our  staff  we  have  ca- 
pable economists  and  engineers,  with  some  ex-manufacturers. 
Every  report  passes  through  two,  three,  or  more  hands.  A 
number  of  people  have  a  whack  at  it.  When  it  is  finished 
to  the  satisfaction  of  myself  and  my  staff,  it  is  then  sent  in 
galley  to  every  member  of  the  National  Industrial  Conference 
Board,  .  .  .  and  they  are  given  adequate  time  to  read  them 
[the  galleys]  over  and  return  them  with  any  suggestions  they 
want  to  make.  These  suggestions,  if  we  can  accept  them, 
are  embodied.  If  they  are  major  suggestions  that  we  find  we 
cannot  accept,  then  the  whole  report  is  taken  back  into  one  of 
the  monthly  meetings  of  the  Board  and  there  discussed.     So 

*Cf.   Carlton:    History  and  Problems  of   Organi7ed  Labor    (1920 
edition),  p.  97. 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  489 

that  the  final  issue  represents  the  joint  work  of  a  number  of 
people  on  the  staff,  supplemented  by  the  practical,  intelligent 
judgment  of  forty  or  fifty  manufacturers  in  various  branches 
of  industry,  brought  to  bear  upon  it."  *^ 

The  Industrial  News  Survey  of  the  Board  is  published 
weekly  and  contains  condensed  accounts  of  events  of  interest 
to  business  men  and  students  of  industrial  affairs.  It 
reports  on  such  topics  as  the  industrial  situation,  govern- 
mental activities  concerning  industry,  legislative  proposals 
iinder  consideration,  discussions  of  workmen's  insurance, 
labor  disputes,  the  labor  supply,  statements  concerning  the 
cost  of  living,  items  on  trade,  commerce  and  transporta- 
tion. Supplements  are  occasionally  issued  in  which  more 
extended  discussions  are  given  on  some  special  subject  or 
subjects.*^ 

The  Board  has  conducted  a  contest  for  the  purpose  of 
encouraging  the  writing  of  monographs  on  certain  in- 
dustrial subjects.  The  prize  for  the  best  written  mono- 
graph was  $1000.*^ 

In  addition  to  issuing  reports  and  other  publications,  the 
N.  I.  C.  B.  endeavors  to  compile  data  and  keep  manufac- 
turers informed  in  regard  to  proposed  legislation  affect- 
ing their  interests  and  in  respect  to  other  specific  problems 
growing  out  of  the  relation  of  employer  and  employee.^* 
For  this  purpose  the  Board  issues  service  letters.*^ 

Governmental  and  Legislative  Activities. —  The  Board 
has  engaged  in  activities  connected  with  the  government  and 
legislation.  In  191 7,  this  organization,  at  the  invitation  of 
the  Council  of  National  Defense,  appointed  an  advisory 
committee  to  assist  the  Council  in  carrying  out  the  Govern- 
ment's war  program.  This  Board,  also  at  the  request  of 
the  Council,  submitted  recommendations  concerning  the 
employment  relation  for  the  period  of  the  war.  As  a  re- 
sult of  these  recommendations,  a  conference  committee, 
composed  of  five  manufacturers,  five  labor  union  officials, 


490         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

and  two  representatives  of  the  public,  was  formed  for  sug- 
gesting principles,  policies  and  machinery  for  dealing  with 
industrial  disputes  during  the  war.  This  conference  com- 
mittee was  later  converted  into  the  National  War  Labor 
Board. ^^^  The  employer  members  of  the  National  War 
Labor  Board  were  accordingly  chosen  by  the  National  In- 
dustrial Conference  Board.^'^  The  N.  L  C.  B.  was  also 
represented  on  the  War  Labor  Policies  Board  through  a  co- 
operative committee.** 

At  the  time,  the  N.  L  C.  B.  felt  that  its  part  in  the  forma- 
tion of  the  National  War  Labor  Board  was  "  the  most  im- 
portant work  which  the  Board  has  done."  *®  However,  the 
union  officials  secured  the  insertion  in  the  platform  of  the 
National  War  Labor  Board  of  a  provision  granting  during 
the  war  "  the  right  of  the  workers  to  organize  and  bargain 
collectively,"  which  was  interpreted  by  the  union  repre- 
sentatives on  the  War  Labor  Board  as  the  right  of  the 
unions  to  organize  the  workers,  and  this  interpretation  was 
accepted  by  the  two  members  of  the  Board  representing  the 
public.  This  was,  of  course,  inconsistent  with  the  oft-re- 
peated declaration  that  "  neither  employers  nor  employees 
shall  endeavor  to  take  advantage  of  the  country's  necessi- 
ties to  change  existing  standards."  ^^  The  unions  held 
the  strategic  position  then,  but  the  day  of  reckoning  came 
when  the  war  closed,  and  the  War  Labor  Board  ceased  to 
function. 

It  was  at  the  First  Industrial  Conference  at  Washington 
in  1919,  that  the  Board  revealed  clearly  its  opposition  to 
closed-shop  unionism.  The  Board  appointed  five  of  the 
seventeen  members  of  the  employers'  group  and  its  Manag- 
ing Director,  M.  W.  Alexander,  was  selected  as  Secretary 
of  that  group.  Throughout  the  Conference,  the  leadership 
of  the  Board  in  the  employers'  group  was  evident.  The 
Board's  representatives  in  the  employer  group  assisted  in 
the   preparation   of    a    "  Statement   of    Principles    Which 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  491 

Should  Govern  the  Employment  Relation  in  Industry," 
which  unmistakably  favors  the  "  open  shop."  Its  vote  and 
influence  on  the  "  collective  bargaining "  resolution  de- 
feated that  proposition  in  the  form  desired  by  the  labor 
group,  whereupon  the  labor  group  walked  out  and  broke 
up  the  Conference.^^  * 

The  N.  I.  C.  B.,  in  the  legislative  field,  has,  for  instance, 
opposed  the  enactment  of  excess-profits  taxes  ^^ —  a  measure 
designed  to  lessen  the  acquisition  of  great  fortunes  during 
the  war,  but  which  -was  unsatisfactory  in  many  respects.f 

*  The  Board  has  asserted  regarding  this  Conference  that,  "  The  sound 
and  courageous  stand  taken  and  maintained  in  that  Conference  by 
representatives  of  the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  has  had 
a  far-reachins;  and  wholesome  effect  upon  the  public  mind.  Its  dele- 
gates successfully  opposed  a  deliberate  attempt  to  secure  the  unioniza- 
tion of  all  American  industry,  aided  and  abetted  by  the  prestige  of 
such  a  Conference  for  which  the  Government  was  the  sponsor.  The 
Board  stands  ready  to  render  similar  public  service  whenever  occasion 
arises."  ^^ 

t "  In  addition  to  its  research  work,  with  the  aid  of  able  com- 
mittees composed  of  Board  members  and  other  competent  representa- 
tives of  business  and  science,  the  Board  has  been  and  is  studying  many 
collateral  subjects  of  importance  as  for  example,  an  equitable  reform 
in  Federal  taxation.  In  behalf  of  the  industries  of  the  country,  it  took 
the  lead  in  pointing  out  the  need  for  remedial  Federal  tax  legislation. 
The  Board  called  a  National  Industrial  Tax  Conference  at  Chicago, 
April.  1920,  at  which  its  standing  Tax  Committee  was  enlarged  by 
additional  members  not  connected  with  the  Board  in  order  to  have  the 
Committee  as  truly  representative  of  American  industry  as  feasible. 
The  Committee  made  an  intensive  study  of  taxation,  first  analyzed 
the  existing  Federal  tax  laws  as  to  their  social  and  economic  justifi- 
cation and  then  considered  what  changes  might  be  suggested  which 
would  raise  the  revenue  required  by  the  Government  in  such  a  man- 
ner and  from  such  sources  as  would  most  fairly  distribute  the  bur- 
den. A  Tentative  Report  was  then  issued  by  the  Committee  for  dis- 
cussion at  a  second  National  Industrial  Tax  Conference  which  was 
held  in  .New  York  in  October,  1920.  As  a  result  of  this  Conference 
and  further  work  which  Was  done  by  the  Committee,  a  final  report 
was  recently  issued  by  the  Committee  containing  recommendations 
for  Federal  tax  revision  with  the  expectation  that  the  suggestions  made 
wolild  result  in-  action  by  Congress  of  great  benefit  to  the  entire  Na- 
tion." 5* 


492  Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

The  Board  has  also  opposed  legislation  by  the  states  to  es- 
tablish compulsory  health  insurance.  The  Board  has  main- 
tained that  such  insurance  is  undesirable  on  the  grounds 
that  ( i)  it  *'  will  not  materially  reduce  the  amount  of  sick- 
ness"; (2)  it  "will  not  meet  some  of  the  most  pressing 
health  needs  of  the  day";  (3)  it  "will  not  materially  re- 
duce poverty";  (4)  "existing  agencies  can  be  developed 
to  meet  the  situation  with  better  results  ";  (5)  "  the  heavy 
cost  is  not  justified  by  the  results  to  be  obtained."  ^^ 

The  Board  also  adopted  a  resolution  condemning  the 
U.  S.  Employment  Service  as  conducted  during  the  war, 
as  incompetent,  extravagant  and  inefficient,  and  opposing  its 
further  continuance  after  the  war,  as  unnecessary  and  un- 
desirable, yet  commending  the  Employment  Division  of  the 
War  Department  and  advocating  that  ample  appropriations 
be  made  for  this  Division.^®  The  Conference  Board  has 
resolved,  endorsed  and  urged  that  preference  in  employ- 
ment should  be  given  to  the  soldiers  of  the  war  returning 
to  civilian  life.^^ 

Documents  issued  by  two  different  departments  of  the 
Federal  Government  have  been  condemned  for  their  alleged 
unscientific  and  propaganda  character.*  "  Lessons  in 
Community  and  National  Life,"  issued  by  the  U.  S.  Bureau 
of  Education,  has  been  characterized  by  the  Board,  in  part, 
as  a  publication  which  "  gives  to  the  growing  youth  at  its 
most  plastic  age  an  impression  which  is  extremely  partisan, 
inexcusably    incomplete,     and     frequently     misleading."  ^^ 

♦  The  Board  has  stated  that  "  Its  primary  purpose  has  been  and 
will  continue  to  be,  to  secure  and  to  present,  without  fear  or  equivo- 
cation, the  facts  underlying  the  industrial  situation,  but  it  is  also 
vigilant  in  its  efforts  to  expose  and,  by  correct  presentation,  to  counter- 
act detrimental  influences  emanating  from  important  sources.  Thus 
the  Board  has  not  hesitated  to  take  issue  with  the  Government  when 
any  of  its  departments  make  erroneous  and  misleading  statements  in  its 
public  documents.  (See  Special  Report  No.  i,  ,' A  Case  of  Federal 
Propaganda  in  Our  Public  Schools,'  also  Special  Report  No.  14,  '  Un- 
warranted Conclusions  Regarding  the  Eight-Hour  and  Ten-Hour  Work- 
day.') "  80 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  493 

The  Board  has  severely  criticized  the  validity  of  the  com- 
parisons and  the  soundness  of  the  conclusions  in  Bulletin 
No.  106  of  the  U.  S.  Public  Health  Service,  a  Bulletin 
which  deals  with  a  comparison  of  the  eight-hour  vs.  the 
ten-hour  workday.  The  criticism  points  out  that  "  only  one 
1 0-hour  plant  was  studied  and  compared  with  only  one 
8-hour  plant,"  and  that  "  the  S'-hour  plant  was  a  highly 
efficient  automobile  factory  several  years  old,  while  the  10- 
hour  plant  was  a  rapidly  expanding,  mushroom  munitions 
factory."  '^^ 

Interrelations. — In  September,  192 1,  the  membership  of 
the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  comprised  the 
American  Cotton  Manufacturers'  Association,  the  Ameri- 
can Electric  Railway  Association,  the  American  Hardware 
Manufacturers'  Association,  the  American  Malleable  Cast- 
ings Association,  the  American  Paper  and  Pulp  Association, 
the  American  Pig  Iron  Association,  the  Electrical  Manufac- 
turers' Club,  the  Institute  of  Makers  of  Explosives,  the 
Manufacturing  Chemists'  Association  of  the  United  States, 
the  National  Association  of  Cotton  Manufacturers,  the  Na- 
tional Association  of  Finishers  of  Cotton  Fabrics,  the  Na- 
tional Association  of  Manufacturers,  the  National  Associa- 
tion of  Wool  Manufacturers,  the  National  Automobile 
Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  National  Boot  and  Shoe  Manu- 
facturers' Association,  the  National  Electric  Light  Associa- 
tion, the  National  Erectors'  Association,  the  National 
Founders'  Association,  the  National  Implement  and  Vehicle 
Association,  the  National  Industrial  Council,  the  National 
Metal  Trades  Association,  the  Railway  Car  Manufacturers' 
Association,  the  Rubber  Association  of  America,  Inc.,  the 
Tobacco  Merchants'  Association  of  the  United  States,  the 
Silk  Association  of  America,  the  United  Typothetse  of 
America  —  all  national  associations  —  and  the  Associated 
Industries  of  Massachusetts,  the  Associated  Industries  of 


494         Employers'  Associations  in  the-  United  States 

New  York  State,  Inc.,  the  Illinois  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion, and  the  Manufacturers'  Association  of  Connecticut, 
Inc. —  all  state  associations.®^  With  so  extended  a  member- 
ship of  associations,  its  relationship  to  the  "  open-shop  " 
association  movement  of  the  United  States  is  almost  com- 
plete. When  the  interrelations  of  the  National  Founders' 
Association,  the  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  the 
National  Erectors'  Association,  the  United  Typothetae  of 
America,  and  the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers 
with  the  National  Industrial  Council,  are  added  to  the  inter- 
relations of  the  other  twenty- four  associations,  the  net  work 
becomes  very  intricate. 

That  the  Board  has  interrelations  to  associations  other 
than  through  its  association  membership  directly,  is  evi- 
denced by  the  fact  that  seventeen  non-member  associations 
co-operated  with  the  Board  in  submitting  a  "  Statement  " 
to  the  Council  of  National  Defense  "  Respecting  [the]  Na- 
tional Labor  Situation."  ^^ 

REFERENCES 

1  Memorandum  from  the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board, 
(Abv.  Memorandum)  ;  See  also  National  Industrial  Conference  Board, 
A  Federation  of  American  Industries,  etc.,  April  1919,  p.  5,  (Abv. 
Ap  '19  N  I  C  B);  National  Industrial  Conference  Board,  April,  1917, 
p.  3,  (Abv.  Ap  '17  N  I  C  B)  ;  Synopsis  of  Proceedings,  .  .  .  Annual 
Convention,  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  191 7,  pp.  54,  56,  (Abv. 
'17  N  M  T  A)  ;  Publications  of  the  National  Industrial  Conference 
Board,  inside  cover,  p.  i,  (Abv.  Publications)  ;  Letter  head  of  the 
Board.  ^Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  5.  3  Memorandum;  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  5; 
'20  N  M  T  A  25 ;  Advisory  Committee  on  Financial  Support.  *  Mem- 
orandum ;  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  19.  » '17  N  M  T  A  60,  77.  « '18  N  M  T  A 
63;  '19  N  M  T  A  151 ;  '20  N  M  T  A  6,  53.  ^  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  . 
Annual  Convention  of  the  United  Typothetae  of  America,  1918,  p.  11, 
(Abv.  '18  U  T  A).  8  Proceedings  of  the  .  .  .  Annual  Convention  of 
the  National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  1918,  p.  77,  (Abv.  '18  N 
A  M);  '19  N  A  M  249;  '20  N  A  M  133,  140.  »  Memorandum-  ^^'17 
N  M  T  A  58.  11  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  6-7.  "  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  3.  i^  '17 
N  M  T  A  54-55.  14  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  4-  ^°  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  20. 
i«'i7  N  M  T  A  55.  i^Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  4.  i8'i7  n  M  T  A  56. 
"'17  N  M  T  A  55.    20'i7  N  M  T  A  55-56.    21 '17  n  M  T  A  57. 


The  National  Industrial  Conference  Board  495 

22  Memorandum.  23 '17  N  M  T  A  57;  '19  U  T  A  118.  24  d  '19 
The  Open  Shop  Review  493,  (Abv.  O  S  Rev);  Ja  '20  O  S  Rev  3; 
See  also  '19  U  T  A  118.  ^^  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  7;  See  also  Memorandum. 
2«'i7  N  M  T  A  57;  For  official  connection  with  the  Board,  see  also 
Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  I,  23.  27  '20  N  M  T  A  22;  See  also  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B 
23.  28N(2o)'20  Letter  from  the  Board.  2»'i7  n  M  T  A  57;  Publica- 
tions 3-33 ;  Memorandum.  3°  Memorandum ;  Publications ;  Reports 
themselves,  si  o  '18  O  S  Rev  400-401.  32  My  '20  O  S  Rev  176. 
33  0(14) '20  The  Iron  Trade  Review  1072,  1074.  8**20  N  M  T  A  26. 
35  '20  N  M  T  A  26-27.  36  o  '20  American  Industries  42 ;  See  also  D 
'18  O  S  Rev  492.  ?7  Ap  '18  N  I  C  B  18-19.  38  Report  itself.  39  Mem- 
orandum;  Publications;  Booklets  themselves.  ^"Memorandum ;  See 
also  Leaflets;  Jl  '19  O  S  Rev  255-260;  S  '20  O  S  Rev  339-345. 
"'19  U  T  A  115-118;  Cf.  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  14-15;  Memorandum. 
*^"  Survey"  itself;  '18  N  M  T  A  50;  Publications  36.  "  Ap  '19 
N  I  C  B  18;  Mr  '19  O  S  Rev  124-125.  **  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  14.  ""^  O 
'20  O  S  Rev  418-419.  "Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  16-17;  See  also  F  '18  O  S 
Rev  57;  O  '17  O  S  Rev  381-391,  402;  Ap  '18  O  S  Rev  I45-I47- 
"  '18  N  A  M  293.  "  Ap  '19  N  I  C  B  17.  « '18  N  M  T  A  50.  ="  N 
'19  O  S  Rev  426-427.  ''I  N  '19  American  Industries  13-14,  16;  "The 
Vital  Issues  in  the  Industrial  Conference  at  Washington,  D.  C, 
O.  6-23,  1919 " ;  Statement  of  Principles,  etc.  themselves ;  N  '19  O  S 
Rev  429-436;  See  also  pp.  423-429;  See  also  My  '20  Law  and  Labor 
136-137.  °2 "  Petition  to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  Respecting 
War  Revenue  Bill  H  R  4280."  ''3  Memorandum ;  See  also  Vital 
Issues  etc.  '*  Memorandum,  ^s  jg  Compulsory  Health  Insurance 
Desirable?  se  jg  \g  q  S  Rev  251.  ^^  D  '18  O  S  Rev  497.  ^s  a  case  of 
Federal  Propaganda  in  Our  Public  Schools  3.  ^^  O  '20  American 
Industries  42 ;  Special  Information  Bulletin,  Associated  Empoyers  of 
Indianapolis,  4-5.  ^o  Memorandum.  «i  S (7) '21  Letter ;  National  Indus- 
trial Conference  Board.  The  Research  Organization  of  American 
Industry  in  the  Field  of  Industrial  Exonomics,  June  1921  p.  23;  Memo- 
randum.   ^2  Statement  itself  p.  8. 


PART  V 

A  LOCAL  ASSOCIATION  OF 
NATIONAL  SIGNIFICANCE 


CHAPTER  XIV 

THE  ASSOCIATED  EMPLOYERS  OF  INDIANAPOLIS, 

INC. 

The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis,  Inc.,  is  per- 
haps the  most  active  local  employers'  association  in  the 
United  States.  Its  opposition  to  the  closed  union  shop  in 
Indianapolis  has  been  so  successful  that,  with  the  exceptions 
of  certain  branches  of  the  building  and  printing  trades,  most 
of  the  industries  of  Indianapolis  are  conducted  on  the 
"  American  plan  "  or  open-shop  basis.  Moreover,  through 
an  extended  distribution  of  material  relating  to  industrial 
relations,  it  has  taken  on  a  national  significance.  As  a  fit- 
ting culmination  to  these  "  educational "  eflForts  and  co- 
operative activities,  it  has  promoted  a  national  federation 
of  open-shop  organizations,  which  may  become  known  either 
as  the  "  Associated  American  Employers,"  or  the  "  Ameri- 
can Plan  Educational  Exchange."  ^ 

Membership. — "  The  Associated  Employers  of  Indian- 
apolis," it  is  claimed,  "  is  rated  today  as  one  of  the  largest 
and  most  active  organizations  of  the  kind  in  the  country, 
and  is  now  classed  among  the  foremost  constructive  agencies 
in  its  community.  Its  membership  embraces  about  500  of 
the  city's  most  progressive  and  fairest  employers  of  labor, 
(in  every  department  of  industrial,  commercial,  financial 
and  professional  enterprises)  having  approximately  40.cx)0 
employees.  There  is  not  a  branch  of  representative  busi- 
ness activity  in  Indianapolis  that  is  not  included  in  the 
Association's  membership."  ^ 

Membership  in  the  Association  is  open  to  any  person, 
firm,  or  corporation  that  employs  labor  in  any  lawful  busi- 

499 


5O0         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ness  in  Indianapolis,  and  to  any  other  organization  composed 
of  such  persons,  firms  and  corporations.  The  voting 
power  of  the  members  in  the  annual  or  special  meetings  is 
based  on  the  amount  of  annual  dues  paid,  one  vote  for  each 
dollar  paid  at  the  previous  semi-annual  period.^ 

Revenue  and  Dues. — The  Association  derives  its  reve- 
nue from  initiation  fees,  membership  dues  and  voluntary 
contributions.  The  initiation  fee  is  $10.00  for  each  person, 
firm  or  corporation  which  belongs  to  the  Association 
directly,  or  which  is  represented  through  an  affiliated  organi- 
zation. On  this  basis,  each  individual  or  represented  mem- 
ber pays  semi-annually  six  dollars  as  minimum  dues  and 
twenty-five  cents  additional  for  each  male  and  each  female 
employee  in  excess  of  the  number  of  twelve.  The  dues  and 
fees  are  subject  to  change  at  the  discretion  of  the  Executive 
Committee.^  Voluntary  subscriptions  are  also  received; 
as  much  as  $1,000  in  a  lump  sum  has  been  contributed  by 
one  firm.^ 

The  Government  of  the  Association  is  conducted  by  a 
Board  of  Directors,  an  Executive  Committee,  and  a,  staff  of 
officers.  The  Board  of  Directors  consists  of  twenty-one  or 
more  members,  at  present  of  twenty- f our. ^  They  are  nomi- 
nated by  a  nominating  committee  chosen  by  the  Executive 
Committee,'^  and  elected  at  the  annual  meetings,  one  third 
serially  every  three  years.  Not  more  than  two  members  are 
allowed  to  represent  any  one  industry  ot  business.  The 
Executive  Committee  is  made  up  of  nine  members,  four  of 
whom  are  the  elected  staff  officers,  and  five  of  whom  are 
appointed  by  the  President  from  the  Board  of  Directors. 
The  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  are  selected  an- 
nually. The  elected  staff  officers  are  the  President,  the 
First  Vice-President,  the  Second  Vice-President,  and  the 
Treasurer,  all  chosen  annually.  The  Secretary  is  appointed 
by  the  Executive  Committee,  and  is  the  managing  officer  of 
the  Association.^ 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  501 

The  powers  and  duties  of  the  Board  of  Directors  are :  to 
"  consider  and  report  upon  all  matters  referred  to  it  by 
the  Association  or  the  Executive  Committee  " ;  to  fill  all 
vacancies  occurring  on  the  Board  between  annual  elections ; 
to  suspend  or  expel  any  member  of  the  Association  for  good 
cause,  after  a  hearing,  and  upon  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the 
Board;  and  to  appoint  three  of  its  members  as  a  committee 
to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  Association  at  least  once  a  year 
and  report  thereupon.^ 

The  Executive  Committee  is  empowered  to  "  govern, 
manage,  and  act  for  the  Association  in  all  emergencies  " ;  ^° 
to  fill  any  vacancy  in  the  elective  staff  offices  between  elec- 
tions ;  to  pass  upon  applications  for  membership  in  the  Asso- 
ciation and  upon  resignations ;  and  to  suspend  members  for 
the  non-payment  of  dues.  It  appoints  the  Secretary,  and 
may  require  him  to  perform  such  general  duties  as  it  sees 
fit,  delegating  to  him  the  necessary  powers  for  their  per- 
formance. It  also  selects  the  Manager  of  the  Association's 
Free  Employment  Bureau.^^  It  is  authorized  to  "  employ 
attorneys  and  other  necessary  employees  and  agents  of  the 
Association,  prescribe  their  duties  and  fix  their  compensa- 
tion " ;  and  to  "  adopt  needful  rules  for  direction  of  the 
business  of  the  organization."  ^^  It  has  conferred  upon  it 
the  power  to  "  appropriate  such  sums  from  the  treasury  as 
it  may  deem  necessary  to  carry  out  the  purposes  and  ob- 
jects of  the  Association."  *^ 

The  Purposes  and  Objects  of  the  Association  are  set 
forth  in  three  forms :  in  the  Preamble  to  the  Constitution, 
in  a  statement  of  Fundamental  Aims,  and  in  the  Declara- 
tion of  Principles.  The  Preamble  states  that  the  Associa- 
tion was  organized  "  with  a  view  of  conserving  our  common 
interests  and  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  each  other;  to 
encourage  and  foster  a  feeling  of  friendship  between  the 
employers  doing  business  in  the  City  of  Indianapolis  and 
their  employees,  and  to  develop  a  spirit  of  co-operation."^* 


502         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

Aims  —  One  of  its  recent  publications  declares  that  "  the 
fundamental  aims  of  this  Association  are: 

"  (a)  To  stand  for  equality  of  opportunity;  for  the  square 
deal ;  for  the  resistance  of  unfair  practices,  and  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  justice  in  law. 

"(b)  To  solidify  the  business  interests,  and,  as  a  matter  of 
community  welfare,  to  invoke  industrial  and  commercial  har- 
mony and  efficiency  on  an  economic  basis  that  is  just  and  fair 
to  both  employer  and  employee. 

"(c)  To  represent  and  act  for  its  members  in  those  in- 
dustrial, legislative  and  public  matters  in  which  collective  action 
is  imperative  for  the  common  good. 

"(d)  To  counsel,  advise  and  assist  its  members  when  they 
become  involved  in  unjust  labor  troubles. 

"(e)  To  encourage  industrial  and  commercial  stability,  pro- 
duction, thrift  and  co-operative  progress  through  the  creation 
and  perpetuation  of  understanding,  confidence  and  friendly 
relationship  between  employer  and  employee,  and  to  protect 
both  in  their  contractual  right  to  hire  and  to  labor. 

"(f)  To  insist,  through  concerted  action,  upon  orderly  gov- 
ernment, to  the  end  that  ambition  and  initiative  on  the  part  of 
industry,  business  and  labor  may  be  stimulated  and  protected, 
and  the  successful  development  and  operation  of  American  in- 
stitutions may  be  assured  through  sane  and  constructive  enact- 
ments, and  their  impartial  enforcement. 

"  (g)  In  short,  to  defend  the  industrial  and  commercial  life 
of  Indianapolis,  against  the  encroachment  of  its  enemies  both 
from  within  and  without,  thus  affording  to  enterprise  a  safe 
investment,  and  to  labor,  both  steady  and  lucrative  employ- 
ment." " 

The  Declaration  of  Principles  reads  as  follows : 

"We,  the  members  of  the  Associated  Employers  of  Indian- 
apolis, hereby  declare  the  following  fundamental  principles 
which  shall  govern  us  hereafter  in  our  industrial  relations  to 
each  other,  to  our  employees  and  to  the  public : 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  503 

"  I.  We  believe  in  harmonious  industrial  relations  between 
employer  and  employee  and  that  the  latter  shall  receive  adequate 
compensation  and  timely  advancement  for  his  service  measured 
by  his  individual  efforts.  We  shall  not  countenance  any  em- 
ployer who  does  not  pay  a  fair  day's  wage  for  a  fair  day's 
work,  nor  any  employee  who  shirks  a  fair  day's  work  for  a 
fair  day's  pay. 

"  2.  We  are  unalterably  opposed  to' the  principle  of  the  closed 
shop.  It  is  un-American,  illegal  and  unfair  to  the  independent 
workman  who  does  not  desire  to  join  a  union ;  to  the  employer 
who  prefers  to  operate  an  open  shop,  and  to  the  public.  There- 
fore, we  shall  defend  the  right  of  every  workman  to  be  free 
to  dispose  of  his  time  and  skill  advantageously,  and  we  shall 
maintain  the  right  of  every  employer  to  conduct  an  open 
shop. 

"  3.  We  are  strenuously  opposed  to  lockouts,  strikes,  sym- 
pathetic strikes,  boycotts,  and  kindred  evils.  We  will  resist 
those  selfish  interests  which  through  coercion,  false  statements 
and  violence  disrupt  the  relations  of  peace  and  unity  existing 
between  the  just  employer  and  his  employees. 

"  4.  Law  and  order  are  essential  to  the  commercial  progress 
and  development  of  any  city.  We  pledge  our  support  to  the 
properly  constituted  authorities  for  the  impartial  enforcement 
of  law  and  the  strict  maintenance  of  order  at  all  times  and  in 
all  places,  so  that  our  community  may  enjoy  its  constitutional 
and  inalienable  right  to  peace,  liberty  and  security  for  life  and 
property."  ^' 

Pledge. —  Such  are  the  aims  and  principles  that  govern 
the  activities  of  the  A.  E.  I.  It  regards  them  as  the  Ameri- 
can principles  which  underlie  our  ideals  and  institutions,  and 
it  has  pledged  itself  to  their  maintenance  in  this  language: — 
"  To  the  task  of  upholding  American  principles,  traditions, 
ideals,  and  institutions,  the  Associated  Employers  of  Indian- 
apolis stands  pledged  unreservedly,  reaffirming  its  belief  in 
the  tested  principles  of  our  forefathers  which  have  made  the 
United  States  the  greatest  nation  on  earth."  ^® 

Activities  of  National  Significance. —  In  its  varied  and 


504         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

extensive  efforts  to  maintain  these  principles,  the  A.  E.  I. 
has  taken  on  a  national  significance.  It  endeavors,  for 
instance,  to  minimize  the  effect  and  length  of  strikes  and 
labor  disturbances ;  ( i )  by  keeping  the  shops  of  its  mem- 
bers "  free  from  agitation  and  strife,"  (2)  by  urging  its 
members  to  pay  fair  wages  and  have  good  working  condi- 
tions, so  that  no  just  grounds  for  discontent  and  disagree- 
ment may  exist,  (3)  by  discrediting  and  exposing  the 
"  abusive  practices  of  closed-shop  unionism  and  radical  mis- 
leaders,  so  that  all  workers  will  be  encouraged  to  view  the 
industrial  problem  from  the  economical  standpoint  of  con- 
science and  the  Federal  Constitution,  (4)  by  insisting  upon 
the  incorporation  of  labor  unions  to  make  them  legally  re- 
sponsible for  the  execution  of  contracts,  and  the  unseating 
of  unwise  leaders,  (5)  by  defeating  union  demands,  whether 
industrial,  legislative  or  political,  whenever  such  contin- 
gencies infringe  on  the  rights  of  the  employer  or  the  rights 
of  the  90  per  cent  of  unorganized  labor  or  of  the  general 
public,"  ^'^  all  to  the  end  that  the  closed-shop  system  will 
be  supplanted  throughout  the  United  States  by  the  open 
shop. 

Employment  Bureau. —  The  Association  maintains  a 
"  free  employment  bureau."  Here  the  workman  may  apply 
for  a  job.  His  application  is  filed,  his  references  investi- 
gated, and  his  fitness  determined.  When  an  employer  makes 
a  request  for  workmen,  the  bureau  refers  to  the  cards  of  the 
qualified  workers  in  the  designated  trade  or  occupation,  and 
notifies  these  workmen  to  call  at  the  bureau.  There  they 
are  given  cards  to  present  at  the  factory.  If  they  are  em- 
ployed, the  employer  gives  due  notice  to  the  bureau,  and  the 
cards  of  these  men  are  transferred  from  the  unemployed  to 
the  employed  section  of  the  card  system.  Workmen  are 
classified  according  to  ability  and  desirability.  By  the  use 
of  the  bureau,,  the  employer  rarely  receives  other  than 
peaceable  and  qualified  workmen,     "  The  Indianapolis  Em- 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  505 

ployment  Exchange,  to  handle  male  and  female,  skilled  and 
unskilled  help  for  office,  factory  and  store  on  a  community 
basis,  is  in  the  process  of  formation."  ^"^ 

Reducing  Agitation  and  Strikes. —  The  present  in- 
creased shifting  of  labor  offers  the  agitator  a  better  chance 
to  get  into  the  shops  of  members,  so  the  Association,  "  in 
an  effort  to  discourage  *  labor  turn-over '  has  secured  sev- 
eral hundred  signed  pledges  from  employers,  agreeing  '  to 
discourage  uneconomic  practices  and  displacements  in  the 
employment  of  labor:  to  stabilize  industrial  conditions  and 
allay  unrest  through  the  proper  allocation  of  labor  locally, 
and  to  reduce  wasteful  labor  turnover.'  "  ^^ 

Employers  in  other  cities,  especially  automobile  manufac- 
turers, have  engaged  in  the  practice  of  "  stealing  "  laborers 
away  from  Indianapolis.  The  Association,  to  meet  this  situ- 
ation in  part,  secured  the  co-operation  of  the  Indianapolis 
newspapers  in  not  accepting  advertisements  from  out-of- 
town  concerns  for  **  help  wanted."  On  one  occasion,  it 
caused  a  national  advertising  agency  to  withdraw  street-car 
signs  calling  for  4,000  men  to  go  to  another  city.^®  By 
thus  stopping  the  "  pirating  "  of  labor,  the  labor  turnover  in 
the  shops  is  reduced,  unrest  is  lessened,  and  the  chances  for 
"  unbridled  "  agitation  in  the  shops  is  decreased. 

Independent  Employee  Contract. —  As  a  means  of  pre- 
venting the  unionization  of  any  shop,  "  where  the  employer 
is  not  so  inclined,  and  for  the  protection  of  employees  who 
do  not  wish  to  join  the  union,  the  employer  is  advised  how 
he  can  use  an  independent  employeee  contract."  ^  Where 
a  number  of  employees  in  a  shop  have  signed  such  contracts, 
either  the  employer  or  the  independent  workmen  can  appeal 
to  the  courts  for  injunctions  restraining  the  union  organ- 
izers from  seeking  to  "  cause  either  employer  or  employee 
to  break  the  contracts  by  attempting  to  unionize  the  shop,  or 
compelling  employees  to  join  the  union  against  their  will." 
Below  is  the  most  recent  form  of  the  contract:^ 


5o6        Employers'  Asspciations  in  the  United  States 


INDEPENDENT  EMPLOYEE  CONTRACT 

(Date) 

"  In  consideration  of  the  mutual  desire  of  both  of  the  parties 
whose  names  are  hereunto  signed —  (hereinafter  designated  as 
employer  and  employee)  —  to  enter  into  a  contractual  relation- 
ship in  such  manner  and  form  that  will  promote  and  protect 
their  mutuality  of  industrial  interest  by  insuring  to  the  em- 
ployee, security  in  employment,  and  to  both  employer  and  em- 
ployee, the  free  and  unrestricted  exercise  of  their  lawful  rights 
to  employ  and  be  employed  in  legitimate  employment,  occupa- 
tions and  businesses,  it  is  hereby  mutually  agreed  by  and  be- 
tween the  undersigned  employer  and  employee,  that 

*'  First  :     Said  employee,  whose  trade  or  craft  is  that  of 

,  is  not  a  member  of  any  labor  union  and 

that  while  he  is  employed  by  said  employer,  the  employee  will 
not  become  a  member  of  any  labor  union,  and; 

"Second:  If  at  any  time  said  employee,  while  in  the 
employ  of  said  employer,  desires  to  become  or  does  become  a 
member  of  or  affiHated  with  any  labor  union,  said  employee 
will  immediately  notify  said  employer  of  that  fact,  and  said 
employee's  term  of  service  shall  automatically  cease  and  said 
employee  shall  withdraw  forthwith  from  the  employment  of 
said  employer,  and 

"  Third  :  Said  employee,  while  in  the  employ  of  said 
employer,  will  not  make  any  effort  to  unionize  or  directly  or 
indirectly  assist  any  other  person  in  unionizing  the  employees 
of  said  employer,  and 

"  FouRiTH :  That  said  employer  will  not  recognize,  treat 
nor  negotiate  with  nor  have  any  dealings  toward  unionizing 
his  establishment,  with  any  officer,  representative  or  other  agent 
of  a  labor  union,  and  will  operate  his  shop,  in  so  far  as  said 
trade  or  craft  is  concerned,  as  a  shop  or  business  strictly  in- 
dependent of  the  union,  and 

"  Fifth  :  That  it  is  the  intention  and  desire  of  the  said 
employer  and  employee,  whose  names  are  hereunto  signed,  that 
the  foregoing  employment  relation  between  them  shall  be  kept 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  507 

entirely  free  from  interference  or  intervention  in  any  respect 
whatever,  by  any  labor  union,  or  its  members,  sympathizers, 
officers,  representatives  and  agents,  or  other  persons. 

"    (signed (seal) 

Employee's  name 

"    (signed (seal) 

Employer's  name 

By 

Notice  to  Employees. —  The  Association  has  also  sug- 
gested a  form  of  a  notice  for  employers  to  issue  to  employees 
during  periods  of  agitation.  This  notice,  among  other 
things,  informs  the  workmen  within  the  shop  that  loyalty 
will  be  expected  of  each  and  every  one  of  them.  It  also 
pledges  to  the  independent  or  unorganized  employees  that 
the  shop  will  not  be  unionized,  that  union  shop  committees 
will  not  be  entertained,  "  and  that  it  is  not  necessary  for  any 
employee  to  join  the  union  to  hold  his  job."  ^^  This 
notice  reads  as  follows :  ^^ 

"  NOTICE  TO  OUR  EMPLOYEES 

"  Owing  to  continued  union  agitation  among  our  employees 
on  the  part  of  disinterested  outside  parties,  and  in  order  to 
avoid  any  misunderstanding  on  the  part  of  our  loyal  employees, 
as  to  our  attitude  in  connection  with  the  individual  contractural 
relationship  existing  between  us,  we  believe  that  the  mutual 
interests  of  employer  and  employee  can  best  be  served  and 
conserved  by  adherence  to  the  following  principles  as  a  means 
of  insuring  to  our  loyal  independent  employees,  security  in 
their  employment  with  us. 

"  This  department  of  our  establishment  is  now  operated  and 
will  continue  to  be  conducted  absolutely  independent  of  any 
labor  union. 

"It  is  unnecessary  for  any  employee  to  join  a  labor  union 


5o8         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

to  hold  a  job  in  this  department.  This  firm  will  continue  to 
maintain  the  open  shop  policy  in  our  industrial  relationships 
with  our  employees. 

"  We  disavow  any  intention  to  interfere  with  the  legitimate 
functions  of  labor  unions,  but  will  not  admit  of  any  outside 
interference  with  the  management  of  our  business, 

"  Every  employee  who  elects  to  work  in  this  department  will 
be  required  to  work  peaceably  and  harmoniously  with  all  other 
employees  of  this  institution,  and  to  the  interests  of  the  firm. 

"  Union  agitation  and  efforts  to  create  fictitious  discord  in 
this  department  will  not  be  tolerated  on  the  part  of  any  employee 
by  the  management.  Loyalty  is  expected  and  will  be  exacted 
from  each  of  our  employees. 

"  This  firm  will  not  under  any  conditions  recognize  nor 
treat  with  any  union  representatives  or  committees  as  such,  on 
behalf  of  our  employees  collectively.  We  will  at  all  times 
endeavor  to  keep  in  our  employ  as  business  conditions  may 
permit,  all  persons  who  remain  faithful  and  loyal  to  this  firm, 
and  we  will  seek  to  protect  such  employees  in  the  security  of 
their  employment  to  the  fullest  extent. 

"  The  employees  of  this  firm  have  always  been  privileged  as 
individuals,  to  take  up  with  the  management,  their  own  in- 
dividual cases  in  their  own  behalf.  We  will  at  all  times,  in 
the  future  as  in  the  past,  be  glad  to  confer  with  any  or  all 
employees  individually,  on  all  matters  not  affecting  shop 
policy  or  management,  but  we  will  not  entertain  union  shop 
committees. 

"  The  management  of  this  firm  is  directly  responsible  for  the 
work  turned  out  by  our  employees,  and  we  reserve  the  un- 
restricted right  to  designate  and  select  the  employees  whom  we 
consider  competent  to  perform  our  work,  and  to  determine  the 
conditions  under  which  that  work  shall  be  performed.  The 
question  of  the  competency  and  compensation  of  our  employees 
rests  entirely  with  us  and  will  remain  in  the  hands  of  this  firm. 

"  It  is  the  privilege  of  any  employee  to  leave  our  employ 
when  he  or  she 'sees  fit,  and  it  is  our  privilege  to  terminate  the 
service  of  any  employee  if  we  see  fit. 

"  The  above  principles  are  absolutely  necessary  to  the  sue- 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  509 

cessful  operation  of  our  business,  if  the  mutual  interests  of 
this  firm  and  its  employees  are  to  be  best  served  and  conserved. 
Date 

NAME  OF  FIRM." 

Information  as  to  Agitation. — "  The  Associated  Em- 
ployers of  Indianapolis,  through  extensive  acquaintance  and 
friendly  relationship  with  hundreds  of  working  people  both 
in  and  out  of  the  unions  is  kept  informed  with  respect  to 
labor  matters,  union  agitation,  and  conditions  that  affect 
the  employment  relationship  of  employer  and  employees. 
In  this  manner  the  Association  secures  information  regard- 
ing radical  movements  and  activities  and  is  enabled  to 
counteract  and  check  un-American  practices,  agitation  and 
tendencies  that  threaten  to  disrupt  the  peace  and  harmony 
existing  between  satisfied  employers  and  employees.  Pro- 
tection is  also  given  unorganized  labor  in  its  right  to  work 
without  having  to  possess  a  union  card,  and  employers  are 
protected  in  their  right  to  operate  open  or  non-union  shops 
independent  of  union  domination  and  control.  Vigilance  is 
especially  needed,  say  the  employers,  when  the  percentage 
of  union  men  in  a  shop  predominates,  or  where  it  is  in  ex- 
cess of  twenty  per  cent.  Employers  feel  that  the  safe  maxi- 
mum number  of  union  men  in  an  open  shop  must  not  exceed 
thirty-five  per  cent, —  ordinarily  not  over  twenty  per  cent, 
and  less  than  twenty  per  cent  in  most  cases  is  considered  a 
safer  limit."  ^^  By  regulating  the  percentage  of  union 
men  in  a  shop,  the  employers  hope  to  lessen  the  opportunity 
for  agitation  and  thus  prevent  strikes. 

Reducing  Causes  for  Agitation. —  Bad  working  condi- 
tions and  poor  wages  lend  the  strike  agitator  a  strong  ap- 
peal in  his  "  misguided  efforts  to  stir  up  strife,"  ^*  and  so  to 
offset  this  appeal,  the  A.  E.  I,  endeavors  to  reduce  these 
causes  to  a  minimum.  "  The  Association  has  continually 
urged  employers  to  make  the  betterment  of  working  condi- 


5IO         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

tions  and  the  payment  of  just  wages  commensurate  with  the 
degree  of  individual  efficiency,  loyalty  and  service  rendered, 
one  of  the  fixed  policies  of  the  American  Plan  or  open  shop 
business  management.  Harmonious  industrial  conditions 
and  sympathetic  understanding  between  employer  and  em- 
ployee, can  be  promoted  in  no  better  manner  than  through 
the  general  adoption  of  the  Association's  principle  — '  A 
fair  day's  pay  for  a  fair  day's  work,  and  a  fair  day's  work 
for  a  fair  day's  pay.' "  ^*  The  A.  E.  I.  has  formally  re- 
solved, as  employers,  "  to  continue  the  payment  of  just 
wages  "  to  their  employees  "  in  proportion  to  the  individual 
worker's  efficiency,  productive  ability  and  loyalty,"  and  to 
"  see  to  it  at  all  times  that  every  other  employer  shall  take 
the  same  fair  stand."  ^^  The  Association  contends  that  any 
"  employer  who  is  unfair  will  find,  as  he  deserves  to  find, 
that  he  has  nothing  but  the  cheapest  and  most  inefficient  help, 
such  as  the  members  of  the  A.  E.  I.  do  not  want."  ^®  But 
while  its  members  desire  to  pay  good  wages,  they  insist  that 
they  must  get  production  in  return.  The  A.  E.  I,  has  "  no 
sympathy  whatever  with  unwise  employers  who  are  the  ex- 
ceptions among  manufacturers,  and  who  are  charged  with 
the  ofifense  of  trying  to  crush  labor  and  force  wages  down 
below  a  consistent  average  level."  ^^  It  argues  that  "  Such 
employers,  while  they  are  in  the  minority,  are  makers  of 
Bolshevism  and  unrest,  and  are  to  be  condemned."  ^*  The 
Association  purposes  "  to  maintain  fair  and  reasonable  labor 
conditions  that  will  promote  industrial  harmony,  business 
activity  and  community  growth."  ^^ 

The  Association  insists  that  most  business  men  have 
risen  from  humble  positions,  that  every  employer  is  a  work- 
man, and  "  every  workman  who  accumulates  savings  and 
property  is  a  '  capitalist,'  and  that  nearly  all  of  the  em- 
ployers are  and  should  be  in  personal  contact  with  their 
employees."  ^'^  It  also  calls  attention  to  the  vast  amount  of 
safety  devices  and  sanitary  equipment  that  have  been  in- 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  511 

stalled  in  factories,  and  to  the  character  of  modern  homes 
rented  or  sold  on  easy  terms  to  wage-earners  by  many  em- 
ployers,*° 

As  a  further  means  to  reduce  unrest  occasioned  by  the 
high  cost  of  living,  the  members  of  the  A.  E,  I.,  by  a  reso- 
lution adopted  in  1920,  pledged  themselves  to  increase  all 
the  factors  entering  into  production,  including  labor,  as  a 
means  of  helping  to  end  the  world's  shortage  of  goods.^^ 
The  A.  E,  I.  reasons  that  "  the  standard  of  living  can  be 
raised  and  the  costs  of  living  lowered  only  by  and  through 
increased  efficiency  and  a  greater  per  capita  production  in 
real  wages,  which  consists  of  the  commodities  and  neces- 
sities of  life."  ^^ 

After  having  endeavored  to  reduce  the  causes  for  agita- 
tion and  friction  to  a  minimum,  the  Association  has  at- 
tempted to  show  misguided  agitators  their  errors,  and  has 
condemned  and  exposed  the  misleadership  of  labor  unions. 
The  Association  declares  that  "  the  members  of  our  organi- 
zation are  at  all  times  willing  to  confer  on  industrial  matters 
with  officials  of  the  Church  Federation  or  clergymen  indi- 
vidually, and  to  encourage  them  to  visit  and  inspect  manu- 
facturing plants  and  places  of  business  where  large  num- 
bers of  workers  are  employed,  in  the  belief  that  such  action 
will  result  in  the  clergy  learning  first  hand  of  the  true  eco- 
nomic condition  which  governs  industry  and  trade  just  as 
truly  as  the  law  of  gravitation  governs  the  universe.  Em- 
ployers who  now  have  a  great  many  problems  to  deal  with, 
have  no  reason  whatever  for  concealing  them  and  while 
ministers  may  not  be  able  to  solve  them  directly,  they  can 
by  first  hand  information,  do  much  to  discourage  and  cor- 
rect ill  effects  of  erroneous  radical  antagonism  that  is  detri- 
mental to  the  operation  of  successful  business  and  to  the 
safety  and  welfare  of  the  public  at  large,"  ^^  It  sent  to  the 
clergymen  of  Indianapolis  of  all  denominations,  copies  of 
reprints  from  Industry  on  "  The  Labor  Sunday  Sermon  as 


512         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

a  Medium  for  Industrial  Enlightenment,"  "  The  Individual 
Clergyman  and  the  Problems  of  Industry,"  "  The  Facts  in 
the  Case  of  the  Interchurch  World  Movement,"  and  "  The 
Steel  Strike  Report  of  the  Interchurch  World  Movement." 
It  criticized  the  "  Steel  Strike  Report "  by  the  Interchurch 
World  Movement  as  biased  and  unfair  to  the  U.  S.  Steel 
Corporation.  In  view  of  the  numerous  publications  and 
invitations  given  to  clergymen  to  inspect  personally  the 
factories  and  discuss  working  conditions  with  the  employ- 
ers, the  Association  contends  that  "  no  well  intentioned  but 
misinformed  clergyman  need  go  long  uninformed  on  labor 
matters."  ^^ 

Attack  on  Agitators. —  The  Association,  as  one  might 
well  expect,  attacks  union  agitators  as  a  minority  element 
"  whose  activities  tend  to  override,  obstruct  and  destroy  the 
liberties  of  others,  including  even  the  members  of  their  own 
organizations."  ^^  It  contends  that  "  employers  and  em- 
ployees would  continue  to  get  along  harmoniously  if  it  were 
not  for  the  machination  of  paid  agitators  who  thrive  upon 
the  misfortunes  of  deserving  workers  whom  they  beguile 
and  mislead."  ^®  It  points  out  that  strikes  have  been  due 
to  agitation,  "  in  most  cases  to  the  efforts  of  outside  organ- 
izers and  strike  agitators  who  sought  to  gain  aggrandize- 
ment by  attempting  to  secure  control  over  business,  industry 
and  labor."  ^'^  It  presents  a  long  bill  of  indictments  against 
labor  agitators,  such  as  graft  and  murder,  and  enumerates 
the  evils  of  closed-shop  unionism  from  the  point  of  view  of 
the  "  independent  workman,"  in  booklets  on  "  Closed-Shop 
Unionism,"  and  on  "Which?  Open  or  Closed  Shop."  ^* 
It  condemns  the  "  blatant  professional  agitators  for  mis- 
representing union  labor  and  for  assuming  without  authority 
*  to  represent  all  labor.'  "  ^^  It  characterizes  them  as  auto- 
cratic, "  narrow-minded  designing  men,"  and  denounces 
them  for  attempting  "  to  promote  needless  strife  and  dis- 
content, and  to  call  strikes  without  rhyme  or  reason  in  an 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  513 

effort  to  unionize  and  nationalize  the  country  through  efforts 
to  rule  or  ruin."  *  *° 

It  classes  war-time  strikers  with  traitors,  and  labor-union 
sluggers  with  murderers.'*^  It  foresees  chaotic  conditions 
threatened  by  unrestrained  labor-union  license,^ ^  and  the 
failure  of  the  labor  union  movement  if  radical  labor  leaders 
continue  in  control.  It  contends  that  "  Employers  are  not 
at  issue  with  closely  organized,  well-disciplined  unions  that 
keep  their  word.  They  are  not  satisfied  ivith  the  brawling, 
radical  unions  and  these  unions  are  the  enemy  of  the  closed- 
shop  movement."  "  Our  contention  is  not  with  the  Ameri- 
can workmen,  but  with  the  pernicious  union  leader."  *^  It 
asks,  "Where  will  it  all  end?"  with  the  demands  of  the 
unions  for  ever  higher  wages,  with  lessened  production,  and 
increasing  union  radicalism.**  It  maintains  that  "  the  con- 
flict is  no  longer  between  industry  and  union  labor,  nor 
between  the  Closed  Shop  and  the  Open  Shop,  but  it  is  be- 
tween the  American  people,  as  a  whole,  and  the  organized 
forces  of  violence  marching  under  the  false  guise  of  at- 
tempting to  *  better  labor's  condition.'  "  *^  It  refers  to 
some  brands  of  walking  delegates  as  "  a  band  of  men  who 
meet  in  secret  and  make  rules  affecting  the  pursuits,  the  prop- 

*  Another  illustration  is  contained  in  the  following : 

"  The  Strike  Promoter. —  His  capital  is  the  sinew  and  bone  of  work- 
ingmen  upon  whose  earnings  he  waxes  fat,  cruel  and  autocratic.  He 
is  the  most  merciless  capitalist  with  whont  labor  has  to  deal.  The 
hand  of  toil  supports  him  in  a  life  of  ease  and  it  is  he  who  lolls 
complacently  in  his  easy  chair  while  his  slaves  are  cuffed,  knocked  and 
bruised.  It  is  he  who  builds  a  wall  of  luxury.  It  is  he  who  pro- 
vokes disagreement,  wrangle  and  riot;  prejudice  between  honest  em- 
ployers   and   employees. 

"  In  the  wanton  use  of  his  human  capital  he  runs  no  financial  risk. 
Business  cries  do  not  bother  him.  He  has  no  worries  anent  market 
conditions,  state  of  trade  or  the  price  of  exchange.  Payrolls,  maturing 
notes  and  obligations  are  as  far  from  his  thought  as  is  the  north  star 
from  the  reach  of  his  grasping  hand.  He  and  his  co-workers  ma- 
liciously conspire  to  restrain  trade  and  in  the  doing  of  this  defy  the 
laws  of  the  land."     [D(i)'20  Bulletin.] 


514         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

erty  and  -the  children  of  other  men,  and  who  then  set  out 
to  enforce  these  rules  by  destroying  life  and  property,  ruin- 
ing business,  paralyzing  industries,  and  over-riding  con- 
stitutional guaranties."  *^ 

Condemns  A.  F.  of  L.  and  Closed-Shop  Unionism. — 
The  American  Federation  of  Labor  and  its  organizers  are 
condemned  unsparingly.  Official  resolutions  of  the  Associa- 
tion declare : — "  The  American  Federation  of  Labor,  in  its 
campaign  of  intimidation  of  employer  and  employee,  and  in 
its  defiance  of  the  courts,  and  by  its  threats  to  officers  and 
representatives  of  our  Government,  seeks  absolute  control 
over  Government,  industry,  business  and  labor,  through  the 
instrumentality  of  the  closed  union  shop."  ^^  "  The  Great- 
est Menace  today  to  the  perpetuation  of  the  rights  and  prin- 
ciples of  the  people,  and  to  the  guaranties  of  the  free  in- 
stitutions of  the  United  States  is  to  be  found  in  the  destruc- 
tive propaganda,  aims  and  practices  of  the  American  Fed- 
eration of  Labor,  which  represents  less  than  three  per  cent 
of  the  country's  entire  population."  ^^ 

The  Association  attacks  the  closed-shop  union  for  cur- 
tailing production,  for  inefficiency  and  lack  of  productiv- 
ity.'** It  attributes  the  high  cost  of  living  to  low  produc- 
tion.'*® The  American  Federation  of  Labor  is  denounced 
for  its  agitation  for  fewer  working  hours  and  restricted 
production,  while  it  demands,  at  the  same  time,  higher  and 
still  higher  wages,^''  The  Association  maintains  that  the 
high  cost  of  living  is  due  primarily  to  the  labor  unions.  It 
argues  that  the  "  unions  increase  the  cost  of  living  "  by  de- 
manding excessively  high  wages  which  cause  a  partial  or 
total  suspension  of  industry  through  the  great  increases  in 
labor  costs.  It  contends  that  the  unions  habitually  restrict 
production  markedly  by  arbitrary  limits  set  upon  the  amount 
of  work  that  a  workman  may  do  in  a  day.  It  cites  in- 
stances of  waste  caused  by  the  unions,  such  as  the  uneco- 
nomical practice  of  the  typographical  union  in  requiring  the 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  515 

setting  up  of  type  after  a  matrix  has  already  been  made  and 
the  matter  printed.  It  also  reasons  that  the  large  amount 
collected  as  union  dues  is  one  of  the  factors  in  the  increased 
cost  of  living.*^  It  opposes  the  44-hour  week,  and  insists 
that  to  shorten  the  work-day  would  further  curtail  produc- 
tion at  the  time  when  greater  production  is  needed  to  meet 
the  present  situation.  Members  were  instructed  to  "  Coin^ 
municate  with  your  printer  today,  either  by  letter  or  tele- 
phone, or  in  person,  and  urge  him  to  refrain  from  granting 
the  44-hour  week,  since  no  industry  the  size  of  the  printing 
trades  can  take  such  ill-advised  action  with  the  resulting  cur- 
tailment of  production  and  increasing  operating  costs,  with- 
out seriously  disturbing  all  other  lines  of  business.  We  sug- 
gest also  that  you  write  a  letter  of  encouragement  to  the 
United  Typothetae  of  America,  .  .  .  and  the  Employing 
Printers  of  America  .  .  .  urging  the  employing  printers  of 
the  country  to  refuse  to  become  parties  to  the  '  economic 
crime '  of  adopting  the  44-hour  weekly  working  sched- 
ule." ^^  It  shows  that  strikes  increase  the  cost  of  living 
by  curtailing  production,  thus  making  commodities  scarcer 
and  accordingly  higher  in  price.  It  estimates  that  strikes  in 
1919  cost  the  nation  from  $1,800,000,000  to  $2,000,000,- 
000,  of  which  about  a  billion  dollars  each  was  the  loss  sus- 
tained by  labor  and  industry.  It  sets  forth  the  "  folly  of 
strikes  "  in  the  loss  of  wages  during  long  strike  periods,  and 
calculates  that  this  is  not  offset  by  the  increases  in  wages 
that  may  be  gained.  It  also  calls  attention  to  the  irretriev- 
able loss  of  labor  power  and  production,  especially  as  it 
affects  the  public  by  curtailing  directly  and  indirectly  the 
supply  of  essentials.*^*  Furthermore,  it  declares  that  the 
unions,  by  restricting  the  number  of  apprentices,  lessen  the 
supply  of  skilled  labor  which  would  produce  needed  com- 
modities.*^* It  charges  the  A.  F.  of  L.  and  its  affiliated 
unions  with  attempting  to  set  themselves  above  the  law  and 
to  dictate  to  government,  to  business  and  to  labor  that  no 


5i6         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

one  shall  be  permitted  to  work  who  does  not  belong  to  these 
organizations,  and  which  attempt,  if  successful,  would  re- 
strict production.^^ 

The  Association  makes  war  upon  the  closed-shop  system, 
in  part  by  contrasting  conditions  under  the  closed  shop  with 
those  under  the  open  shop.  It  characterizes  the  closed  union 
shop  as  "  uneconomic,  illegal,  unfair  and  un-American."  ^® 
"  The  closed  shop  confronts  the  employer  with  the  necessity 
of  hiring  his  employees  not  because  they  possess  the  quali- 
fications which  he  desires,  but  because  they  possess  the  quali- 
fications which  some  labor  union  requires.  The  closed  shop 
means  that  you  must  employ  men  not  because  of  their  per- 
sonal competency,  but  because  they  are  members  of  some 
organization  in  which  the  sole  test  of  fitness  for  your  busi- 
ness, is  membership,  regardless  of  their  personal  deficiencies. 
The  closed  shop  requires  of  the  employer  that  he  not  merely 
accept  this  labor  against  his  own  judgment,  but  actually  in 
defiance  of  it.  In  other  words,  the  closed  shop  employer 
is  confronted  with  the  expediency  of  employing  that  labor 
or  none.  Once  having  employed  that  labor,  the  closed  shop 
employer,  under  penalty  of  strike,  must  then  submit  to  re- 
stricted production,  while  the  public  pays  higher  living  costs 
for  the  resulting  scarcity  of  products."  ^"^  The  Associa- 
tion contends  that  only  through  the  instrumentality  of  the 
open  shop  can  the  rights  of  individuals  be  maintained,  and 
that,  "  The  one  great  industrial  issue  before  the  American 
people  today  is  the  right  of  the  individual  citizen  to  work 
where,  when  and  for  whom  he  pleases,  on  terms  and  under 
conditions  that  to  him  are  agreeable  and  acceptable."  '* 
"The  open  shop  is  the  only  fair  basis  of  industrial  relation- 
ships for  the  public  at  large,  for  employer  and  for  employee. 
The  principles  of  the  open  shop  guarantee  to  all  citizens  the 
free  and  unrestricted  right  to  work  when,  where  and  on 
such  terms  as  their  individual  interests  may  dictate  or  re- 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  517 

quire.  The  door  of  equal  opportunity  is  thus  opened  to  all 
citizens  who  earn  a  living  by  hand  or  brain,  and  they  are 
not  subject  to  arbitrary  decisions  and  restrictions  of  labor 
union  agitators,  or  to  false  and  uneconomic  rules  of 
conduct."  ^® 

Contrast  Open  and  Closed  Shop  Conditions. —  The 
Association  has  frequently  contrasted  the  commercial  and 
industrial  growth  of  open-shop  cities  with  closed-shop  com- 
munities. The  comparison  is  always  unfavorable  to  the 
closed-shop  communities.  For  instance,  open-shop  Detroit 
has  been  compared  to  closed-shop  San  Francisco,  and  it  is 
pointed  out  how  Detroit  has  won  out  over  San  Francisco.*® 
Other  cities,  such  as  Akron  and  Los  Angeles,  both  open- 
shop  cities,  are  contrasted  with  Spokane  and  Paterson,  N.  J., 
where  the  closed  shop  was  the  rule.^^  The  A.  E.  I,  presents 
further  evidence  that  the  "  open  shop  encourages  growth," 
while  "  unions  drive  industry  away,"  that  cities  which  were 
formerly  closed-shop  have  experienced  greatly  increased 
prosperity  after  they  were  established  on  the  open-shop 
basis.®^  It  attributes  the  dismantling  of  the  largest  cotton 
mill  then  in  Philadelphia  to  "  the  intolerable  demands  of 
labor,"  which  "  kills  the  goose  of  the  golden  eggs."  **  On 
the  other  hand,  it  ascribes  the  industrial  and  commercial 
growth  of  Indianapolis  to  open-shop  conditions.** 

The  Association  is  proud  of  the  characterization  of  Indi- 
anapolis by  union  agitators  as,  "  The  graveyard  of  union 
aspirations;  the  scabbiest  hellhole  in  the  United  States."**^ 
It  regards  this  characterization  as  an  excellent  advertise- 
m.ent,  and  points  out  that  open-shop  conditions  in  Indian- 
apolis are  causing  many  new  industries  to  locate  there,** — 
seventy-five  new  ones  in  a  twelve  months'  period  to  Decem- 
ber I  St,  1920,  while  many  others  were  negotiating  to  come.*^ 
After  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Indianapolis  has  inter- 
viewed the  representatives  of  the  prospective  enterprise,  it 
refers  them  to  the  A.  E.  I.  "  for  industrial  enlightenment," 


5i8         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

with  the  result  that  the  city  usually  obtains  the  new  enter- 
prise.*'^  This  "  industrial  enlightenment  "  is  to  the  effect 
that  the  man  of  "  business  and  industry  is  afforded  in  Indian- 
apolis a  safe  place  for  financial  investment,  wherein  labor 
without  regard  to  class,  creed  or  social  affiliation,  also  finds 
steady  and  lucrative  employment,  and  every  citizen  is  as- 
sured of  legal  protection  in  the  unrestricted  exercise  of  his  or 
her  lawful  right  to  employ  and  be  employed,  and  in  the  legiti- 
mate enjoyment  of  the  guaranties  afforded  to  all  citizens, 
by  the  Federal  Constitution  and  the  State's  Bill  of  Rights, 
in  *  Life,  Liberty  and  the  Pursuit  of  Happiness,'  "  ^®  The 
Association  calls  particular  attention  to  the  "  anti-picketing  " 
ordinance  of  Indianapolis  as  one  of  the  strong  points  to  ad- 
vertise the  cityJ^  It  also  circulates  **  Labor  Conditions 
and  the  Open  Shop  in  Indianapolis  "  as  a  means  to  induce 
other  employers  to  locate  in  this  city;  as  well  as  to  anni- 
hilate closed-shop  unionism.^  ^  In  seventeen  years,  it  has 
changed  Indianapolis  from  a  closed-shop  community  to  a 
90  per  cent  open-shop  city,'^^  and  it  stands  ready  to  aid  the 
contractors  in  the  closed-shop  branches  of  the  building  trades 
to  put  these  on  an  open-shop  basis  whenever  these  contrac- 
tors desire  or  become  willing  to  make  the  change."^^  It  has 
already  started  a  campaign  against  the  closed  shop  in  the 
building  trades,"^*  with  the  charge  that  "  unions  make  build- 
ing costs  prohibitive."  ^^  It  has  sent  out  a  letter  of  an  open- 
shop  contracting  painter  appealing  for  patronage  on  the 
grounds  that  he  conducts  an  open  shopJ^  It  has  circulated 
a  pamphlet,  "  Facts  About  Indianapolis,"  to  induce  non- 
union workers  to  come  to  Indianapolis.'^^ 

Industrial  Education. — It  has  been  active  in  fostering 
trade  schools  and  industrial  education  to  encourage  the  train- 
ing of  skilled  workmen.'^^  It  has  aided  in  the  promotion  of 
a  "  School  for  Foremen,"  as  well  as  lending  its  support  to 
the  public  vocational  schools."^^  It  has  co-operated  with  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce  in  making  an  industrial  survey  of 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  519 

Indianapolis  to  secure  data  with  respect  to  prevailing  wages, 
skill,  sex,  union  affiliations,  industrial  classifications,  labor 
turnover,  labor  shortage  and  output  per  employee  at  present 
in  comparison  with  pre-war  standards.®^  Obviously,  such 
data  would  indicate  which  fields  require  special  attention  in 
the  training  of  new  workers. 

Urges  Wider  Organization. — It  appeals  to  its  members 
to  solicit  other  employers  to  join  the  A.  E,  I.  and  stand  for 
the  open  shop.^^  It  provides  in  its  By-Laws  for  probation- 
ary membership  for  employers  affected  with  a  strike  who 
wish  to  join  the  Association.  For  such  members,  it  com- 
bats the  strike  at  their  expense.  Furthermore,  the  Execu- 
tive Committee  is  authorized  to  admit  strike-afflicted  em- 
ployers to  full  membership,  should  such  action  be  judged 
conducive  to  the  best  interests  of  the  Association.*^  A  step 
of  this  sort  might  well  reduce  the  risks  of  labor  disturbances, 
as  the  extinguishment  of  a  fire  in  one  building  prevents  its 
spreading  to  the  next  one  until  it  sweeps  the  city.  The 
A.  E.  I.  regards  its  activities  as  in  the  nature  of  industrial 
insurance.*^  By  increasing  the  number  of  open-shop  em- 
ployers and  lessening  the  number  of  closed  shops,  it  reasons 
that  the  risks  will  be  decreased  and  the  costs  reduced :  "Un- 
organized employers  are  compelled  annually  to  spend  mil- 
lions of  dollars  in  erratic  attempts  to  defend  business  and 
industry  against  the  increasingly  insistent  attempts  of  pro- 
fessional strike  agitators  and  destructionists  to  rule  or  ruin, 
in  the  effort  of  trade  union  misleaders  to  gain  control  over 
American  institutions  and  labor."  *^  "  One  small  part  of 
this  vast  sum  of  money  judiciously  expended  by  employers 
and  business  men  in  intelligent  co-operative  effort,  will  in  a 
short  period  of  time,  do  more  to  conserve  and  promote  the 
business  equilibrium  and  progress  of  the  community  and  the 
nation  than  several  years  of  individual  spasmodic,  but  hit 
and  miss  defense  of  American  rights  and  institutions."  ** 
It  emphasizes  the  point  that  the  unions  have  "  great  war 


520         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

chests  "  and  own  buildings,  while  the  associations  must  use 
rented  quarters,  and  that  there  are  "  millions  appropriated  to 
*  throttle  business  '  "  by  the  unions.*^ 

The  A.  E.  I.  is  conducting  a  national  campaign  for  the 
open  shop  against  the  closed  shop.  In  the  promotion  of  the 
open  shop,  the  Association  has  adopted  a  resolution  to  the 
effect  that  its  members,  individually,  collectively,  and  as  an 
organization,  must  make  every  effort  to  bring  to  the  atten- 
tion of  business  associates,  the  schools,  the  churches,  the 
homes  and  other  constructive  agencies,  "  the  fundamental 
truths  with  respect  to  the  open  shop."  ^®  It  offers  evidence 
that  the  open  shop  was  generally  prevalent  before  the  war.^'^ 
It  has  circulated  letters  from  employers  who  have  declared 
for  the  open  shop  after  they  had  undergone  a  very  unsatis- 
factory experience  with  the  closed  shop.  These  letters  set 
forth  the  "  intolerable  conditions  "  of  the  closed  shop.®^ 
The  Association  has  published  the  open-shop  announce- 
ments of  certain  manufacturers,  who,  tired  of  the  "  con- 
stant turmoil  "of  the  closed  shop,  determined  to  discontinue 
all  dealings  with  the  unions.^^  It  cites  numerous  instances 
to  show  that  the  "  unions  break  agreements,"  and  declares 
that  "  most  unions  treat  their  trade  agreements  or  '  collec- 
tive bargains  '  as  *  mere  scraps  of  paper '  which  they  can  and 
do  break  at  will  and  without  honor  or  responsibility."  ®*' 
It  calls  attention  to  "  outlaw  strikes  "  as  one  of  the  methods 
by  which  agreements  are  violated.®^  It  has  pointed  out  the 
growth  of  the  open-shop  movement  in  America,  and  out- 
lined the  methods  used  to  bring  about  the  open  shop,  for 
example  in  Tulsa,  Okla.,  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  Dallas,  Beau- 
mont, Austin,  San  Antonio,  and  other  Texas  cities.®^  It 
has  referred  to  the  aid  that  banks  have  given  to  the  open- 
shop  movement,  for  instance,  in  Tulsa,  Okla.^^  It  has  sug- 
gested that  all  open-shop  associations  should  send  in  the 
advertisements  employed  in  their  "  educational  campaigns  " 
for  the  open  shop,  so  that  a  book  of  these  might  be  com- 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  521 

piled  for  the  general  information  of  all  present  and  pros- 
pective open-shop  communities.®'  It  has  urged  all  open- 
shop  cities  to  publish  their  census  returns  to  show  their 
^.rogress  in  contrast  to  closed-shop  cities.®^  The  A.  E,  I. 
has  suggested  to  all  open-shop  publications  that  the  time  is 
now  ripe  for  the  concerted  beginning  of  a  nation-wide 
campaign  "  to  expose  the  uneconomic,  un-American  abuses 
existing  in  the  unionized  building  trades."  ^^  It  notifies 
the  employers  that  the  unions  have  organized  a  nation-wide 
campaign  to  unionize  all  industries,  and  that  the  unions  are 
conducting  "  incessant  warfare  on  industry."  ®®  It  de- 
nounces the  typographical  unions  for  their  domination  of  the 
newspapers  of  the  country,  and  for  an  oath  of  allegiance 
which  is  said  to  place  loyalty  to  the  union  above  church,  gov- 
ernment or  any  other  organization.*'^  It  has  opposed  the  use 
of  the  union  label  on  campaign  literature  as  well  as  on  other 
articles.  It  reasons  that  the  union  label  is  intended  to  serve 
as  a  boycott  on  the  goods  which  do  not  bear  that  label.®* 
It  points  out  that  the  unions  have  undertaken  a  campaign 
to  organize  the  retail  clerks  generally  in  the  hope  to  force 
the  sale  of  union  label  goods,  and  accordingly,  it  combats 
such  organization.®®  It  has  asked  the  aid  of  association 
secretaries  "  in  bringing  to  the  attention  of  the  [American] 
Legion  officials  any  untoward  action  that  the  labor  unions  in 
your  vicinity  may  have  taken  against  the  Legion."  ^^^  It  has 
denounced  union  shop  representation  as  a  form  of  collec- 
tive bargaining  which  should  be  avoided.  ^"^  It  has  shown 
how  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  was  able  to  defeat  in  Cincinnati  a  well 
organized  general  strike  supported  by  the  national  union. 
It  published  the  charge  that  union  officials  had  spent  thou- 
sands of  dollars  to  bring  sluggers  into  Cincinnati  during  that 
strike,  gave  accounts  how  these  sluggers  beat  up  old  and 
helpless  men,  and  showed  the  connection  of  some  union 
officials  with  the  communists. ^'^^  Thus  the  A.  E.  I.  conducts 
a  vigorous  and  extended  campaign  against  the  closed  shop, 


522         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

and  to  such  an  extent  that  the  onslaught  has  become  of 
nation-wide  importance. 

To  maintain  the  open  shop,  and  break  up  the  closed  shop 
system,  the  Association  has  found  it  necessary  to  defeat 
union  demands  at  every  turn,  industrially  and  politically, 
national  as  well  as  local.  Locally  the  strike  generally  pre- 
sents the  most  pressing  problem.  On  a  state  or  a  national 
scale,  labor  legislation  and  political  contests  are  usually  the 
most  important  problems. 

Combating  Strikes. —  The  A.  E.  I.  has  been  notably  suc- 
cessful in  defeating  strikes  and  union  demands  in  Indianap- 
olis. Its  first  serious  encounter  was  with  the  machinists' 
union  and  the  building-trades  unions  about  1905.  The 
Association  defeated  the  machinists'  union  decisively,  and 
established  the  open  shop.  The  building-trades  unions  were 
defeated  at  the  time,  but  were  able  in  1909  to  place  building 
again  on  a  closed-shop  basis.  The  A.  E.  I.  intimates  that 
the  closed  shop  was  re-established  in  the  building  trades  by 
a  campaign  of  dynamiting  which  intimidated  the  contractors 
into  signing  trade  agreements,  "  although  the  dynamiters 
were  apprehended  and  punished  through  joint  action  of 
many  agencies  with  the  Government."  ^^^  During  the 
teamsters'  strike  in  1913,  the  Association  was  supported  by 
the  banks,  one  of  which  had  large  deposits  of  the  interna- 
tional unions,  but  which  was  not  frightened  by  the  threats 
of  the  unions  to  withdraw  these  deposits.  The  co-opera- 
tion of  the  banks  and  business  men  was  such  that  the  bank 
ofiFered  the  money  at  once,  and  the  threat  came  to  naught. 
During  this  strike,  the  Association  formed  an  auxiliary  or- 
ganization known  as  the  Commercial  Vehicle  Protective 
Association.  Non-union  teamsters  were  secured  and  housed 
in  a  commissary.  The  authorities  were  assisted  in  pre- 
serving law  and  order  by  means  of  mounted  patrols  and  in- 
fantry organized  by  the  Association  and  its  members.  The 
teamsters'    union    failed    to    secure    recognition.     Similar 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  523 

events  occurred  in  the  street-car  strike  of  that  year,  because 
the  Mayor  of  the  city  at  the  time  was  sympathetic  towards 
the  strikers  and  did  not  enforce  law  and  order  with  a  stern 
hand.  Rioting  took  place.  The  Mayor,  facing  a  threat- 
ened impeachment,  resigned  under  "  pressure  of  taxpayers 
and  business  men."  ^^'^  The  new  Mayor  promptly  sup- 
pressed the  disturbances  in  the  subsequent  teamsters'  strike, 
and  which  strike  the  union  lost.  Indianapolis,  in  19 19,  how- 
ever, had  about  35  strikes  —  more  than  in  the  previous  five- 
year  pre-war  period,  but  even  these  were  mostly  minor  dis- 
turbances and  of  short  duration,  "  ending  in  the  establish- 
ment of  the  open  shop."  ^^*  During  a  threatened  strike  of 
machinists  in  that  year,  the  Association  learned  of  the  union 
plans  to  present  certain  "closed-shop  "  demands  to  the  em- 
ployers. The  Association  immediately  drafted  a  reply  for 
its  individual  members,  and  as  the  manufacturers  received 
the  demands  by  mail,  they  telephoned  the  office  of  the  Asso- 
ciation and  had  the  reply  dictated  at  once  to  a  stenographer 
over  the  wire.  The  reply  was  posted  in  the  plants  ready 
for  the  walking  delegates  of  the  union  when  they  called  for 
an  answer  to  their  demands.  The  union  committee  was 
informed  that  the  shop  would  continue  to  be  operated  as  an 
open  shop,  and  that  the  independent  employees  would  be 
protected.  The  union  leaders  realized  that  the  employers 
had  been  informed  of  the  union's  plans  in  advance,  and  that 
a  struggle  would  be  futile,  "  so  a  threatened  general  strike 
was  averted  without  any  disturbance  in  a  single  plant."  ^"'^ 

Whenever  a  member  of  the  Association  becomes  involved 
in  a  labor  dispute  which  infringes  upon  his  rights  as  outlined 
in  the  aforesaid  "  Aims  "  and  "  Principles,"  he  is  "  entitled 
to  the  assistance  and  support  of  the  Association  in  settling 
such  trouble  according  to  right  principles."  ^°®  But  if  the 
difference  or  dispute  does  not  relate  to  "  freedom  of  contract, 
open  shop,  employment  of  apprentices,  restriction  of  output, 
strikes  or  sympathetic  strike  or  boycott,"  then  he  receives 


524         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

only  such  assistance  and  support  as  the  Executive  Commit- 
tee may  deem  just  and  proper.^*^®  No  member,  after  hav- 
ing invoked  the  aid  of  the  Association,  is  permitted  to  sacri- 
fice or  depart  from  the  above  principles  without  the  sanc- 
tion and  approval  of  the  Executive  Committee.  Where 
these  principles  are  not  involved,  for  instance,  in  a  dispute 
over  the  method  of  wage  payment,  the  member  may  settle 
the  dispute  as  he  deems  best.^*'* 

It  is,  however,  the  duty  of  the  Association,  in  all  cases  of 
industrial  disputes,  "  to  assist  in  the  maintenance  of  law  and 
order,  and  in  the  protection  of  the  personal  and  property 
rights  of  employers  and  employees,  and  to  aid  in  the  prose- 
cution of  all  persons  guilty  of  any  violation  of  such 
rights."  ^^"^  As  a  strike  rarely  occurs  in  which  none  of  these 
rights  is  violated,  "  the  Association,  prior  to  the  passage  of 
the  anti-picketing  ordinance  was  usually  compelled  to  appeal 
to  the  courts  in  every  strike."  ^°* 

The  Association  issues  notices  to  members  to  acquaint 
them  with  conditions  during  a  strike  or  during  agitation 
leading  up  to  a  strike.  These  circulars  and  printed  literature 
furnish  the  members  with  material  to  combat  strike  agita- 
tion. Such  matters  as  the  failure  of  strikes  and  the  inabil- 
ity of  the  union  to  pay  strike  benefits,  are  dealt  with  specifi- 
cally in  these  circulars.  Attention  is  called  to  the  fact  that 
agitators  receive  their  pay  whether  the  strike  is  won  or  lost. 
The  duplicity  of  agitators  is  exposed.  Accounts  of  how 
such  exposures  lead  the  conservatives  in  the  union  to  make 
war  upon  the  radicals,  are  also  given.  Political  deals  in 
the  union  management  are  expounded,  and  the  possibilities 
outlined.  Thus  members  are  kept  informed  so  that  they  can 
co-operate  fully  in  attacking  the  weak  points  in  the  strikers' 
ofifensive.^*'® 

It  promptly  calls  attention  to  new  forms  of  "  closed-shop  " 
and  similar  propaganda.  In  one  instance,  it  asked  pointedly 
if  we  were  to  have  "  Soviet  propaganda  through  '  Labor 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  525 

Film  Service?'"  It  has  pointed  out  the  extent  to  which 
closed-shop  unions  seek  control  of  business  management,  for 
example,  by  attempting  to  force  superintendent  and  foremen 
who  are  also  stockholders  in  a  business  concern  to  take  out 
paid-up  union  working  cards  and  pay  back  dues  into  the 
union  treasury.  It  set  forth  the  activities  of  the  "  Labor 
Defense  League  "  especially  in  regard  to  a  questionnaire  cir- 
culated among  merchants  to  make  them  stand  against  the 
open  shop.  Merchants  to  the  number  of  3,000  were  sent  an 
"  Emergency  Bulletin  "  which  told  of  a  plan  on  foot  to  or- 
ganize the  clerks,  and  to  create  a  fictitious  demand  for  union 
label  goods  through  persons  who  asked  for  such  goods  and 
refused  to  buy  because  the  merchant  did  not  keep  them  for 
sale.  This  "  Emergency  Bulletin  "  also  instructed  the  mer- 
chants to  refuse  to  answer  the  questionnaire  and  invite  the 
questioners  ofiF  his  premises.^**® 

Through  the  employment  bureau,  the  employer  is  fur- 
nished with  men  to  replace  those  on  strike,  whenever  that  step 
becomes  necessary  and  the  workers  are  available.  Except  in 
times  of  acute  labor  shortage,  Indianapolis  usually  has  suf- 
ficient non-union  men  available  for  any  struck  shop,  for  the 
number  of  union  men  in  Indianapolis  forms  only  a  small 
percentage  of  the  working  people, —  a  condition  that  is  due 
to  the  eflforts  of  the  A.  E.  I.^^^ 

Labor  Litigation  and  Legislation. —  In  every  actual 
strike,  the  non-union  workmen  must  be  assured  of  and  given 
protection.  They  must  be  assured  by  their  employer  that 
they  will  not  be  discharged  as  threatened  by  the  union  agi- 
tators who  boast  that  they  will  force  the  employer  to  rec- 
ognize the  union  and  to  "  fire  the  scabs."  The  employer 
must  give  notice  that  he  will  continue  to  operate  an  open 
shop,  else  the  workmen  in  the  shop  will  lose  morale, —  the 
Association  has  met  this  situation  by  having  the  necessary 
notices  ready  to  post.^^^  The  non-union  workmen  must  also 
be  protected  against  intimidation  and  violence.     They  may 


526         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

have  to  be  housed  under  one  roof,  guarded,  and  transported 
to  and  from  work  in  automobiles.  ^^^  The  employer,  through 
competent  counsel  and  advice  furnished  by  the  Association, 
obtains  an  injunction,  if  necessary,  from  State  or  Federal 
Court  to  protect  his  property  and  employees. ^^^  The  Asso- 
ciation has  notices  of  these  injunctions  prepared  and  posted 
about  the  work  places  and  entrances  thereto.  ^^* 

If  the  union  agitators  or  followers  violate  the  injunction, 
the  Association  endeavors  to  secure  adequate  evidence  to 
convict.  The  fines  and  jail  sentences  imposed  upon  the  vio- 
lators usually  tend  to  check  their  activities.  On  some  oc- 
casions the  court  has  delivered  a  sharp  lecture  to  those  who 
are  guilty  of  contempt  of  court  and  has  exacted  from  the 
defendants  a  promise  to  end  lawlessness  in  the  strike,  and  to 
cease  their  agitation  and  leave  the  community.  The  Asso- 
ciation has  sent  out  accounts  of  such  contempt  hearings. 
One  of  these  accounts  dealt  with  the  declaration  of  Judge 
Anderson,  in  July,  1920,  that  "  the  Government  and  not  the 
labor  union  must  rule,"  and  another  with  the  jail  sentences 
passed  upon  the  Mayor  and  Chief  of  Police  of  Gas  City  for 
not  enforcing  an  injunction.^^^ 

As  a  deterrent  to  those  who  would  violate  the  law  unless 
warned  of  the  penalty,  the  A.  E.  I.  has  called  attention  to  the 
fact  that  injunctions  have  been  issued  in  various  parts  of  the 
country  to  restrain  organizing  activities  when  these  threaten 
to  cause  individual  employee  contracts  to  be  broken,  that 
picketing  is  likewise  enjoined  when  it  intimidates  the  em- 
ployees who  wish  to  remain  at  work,  that  men  are  fined  and 
jailed  for  contempt  of  court  in  violating  such  injunctions, 
and  that  the  unions  have  had  to  pay  heavy  damages  for 
picketing,  boycotting,  and  similar  offenses. ^^® 

As  a  result  of  the  riots  in  the  strikes  of  19 13  "  which 
demonstrated  the  usefulness  of  the  citizen  mounted  patrol 
and  infantry,"  the  Association  has  organized  a  "  permanent 
citizens'  police  reserve  of  1500  men  from  offices,  factories 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  527 

and  stores,  including  workmen,  foremen,  superintendents, 
and  some  executives  and  professional  men.  Each  member  of 
the  reserve  has  taken  oath  before  the  Board  of  Public  Safety, 
and  upon  proclamation  of  the  Mayor,  this  reserve  is  avail- 
able for  prompt  action  in  case  of  any  emergency;  its  person- 
nel is  maintained  up  to  its  original  number.  Rifles,  clubs 
and  police  badges  are  kept  in  a  convenient  place,  ready  for 
use  at  any  time  should  a  mob  think  it  can  override  the  law 
in  Indianapolis."  ^" 

The  A.  E.  I.  has  taken  a  very  active  interest  in  labor  liti- 
gation and  law  enforcement.  It  does  not  confine  its  efforts 
alone  to  securing  injunctions  or  to  their  enforcement.  It 
stands  for  "  the  enforcement  of  all  laws  directed  against  rev- 
olutionary and  un-American  activities,"  and  urges  that  rev- 
erence for  the  law  be  taught  in  all  the  schools,  printed  in  the 
text  and  other  widely-read  books,  preached  from  the  pulpits, 
proclaimed  in  legislative  halls,  and  enforced  in  the  courts 
of  justice. ^^*  It  has  received  the  highest  commendation 
from  one  of  the  judges  of  a  high  court  in  the  State  of  In- 
diana. It  was  commended  for  its  principles  and  activities 
in  upholding  the  law.^^® 

The  Association  has  been  active  as  a  proponent  of  legisla- 
tion to  restrict  the  activities  of  labor  union  agitators  and  pro- 
fessional radical  disturbers.  It  helped  secure  the  passage  of 
a  "  war-loafer  "  ordinance,  an  "  anti-banner-carrying  "  ordi- 
nance, and  an  "  anti-picketing  "  ordinance  in  IndianapoHs ; 
and  an  "  anti-Bolshevik  "  law  in  Indiana.  It  also  took  part 
in  promoting  a  "  daylight-saving "  ordinance  and  similar 
measures.^^® 

The  Anti-Picketing  Ordinance. —  Its  efforts  in  the  pas- 
sage of  the  "  anti-picketing "  ordinance  illustrate  well  the 
legislative  activities  of  the  A.  E.  I.  The  "anti-banner- 
carrying"  ordinance,  passed  in  19 16,  "  which  merely  covers 
the  offense  of  displaying  boycott  banners,"  was  not  drawn 
in  broad  enough  terms  to  meet  the  extensive  picketing  that 


528         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

was  done  by  the  labor  unions  in  the  course  of  the  thirty- 
odd  strikes  that  were  called  in  the  year  19 19  in  Indianapolis. 
"  The  police  could  not  afford  adequate  protection  to  the  non- 
union workers  against  the  usual  intimidation  by  the  strik- 
ers." ^^^  The  result  was  that  many  of  the  independent 
wage-earners  feared  to  continue  at  work.  The  Association 
sought  and  secured  an  "  anti-picketing  "  ordinance  as  a  meas- 
ure of  reHef.^^^ 

The  Association  formulated  a  bill  to  meet  the  situation 
and  set  about  to  secure  its  passage  by  the  City  Council.  The 
proposed  law  was  drawn  up  by  the  counsel  of  the  organiza- 
tion, discussed  by  its  leaders,  and  then  presented  to  a  joint 
meeting  of  twenty-two  civic  organizations  called  at  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce.  This  meeting  unanimously  en- 
dorsed the  bill  and  urged  its  passage.  The  bill  was  then 
taken  to  a  member  of  the  Common  Council  who  agreed  to 
introduce  it,  and  who  did  so  on  September  15,  1919.  The 
union  agitators  raised  a  storm  of  protests,  and  another  meet- 
ing of  employers  was  held.  On  September  18,  a  group  of 
130  business  executives  met  informally  and  decided  to  take 
measures  to  push  the  bill  through  the  Council.  On  Septem- 
ber 19,  in  the  presence  of  business  men  who  packed  the 
Council  Chamber  and  gallery,  the  Council  passed  the  ordi- 
nance.^^* The  union  leaders  immediately  called  upon 
Mayor  Chas.  W.  Jewett,  and  asked  him  to  veto  the  ordi- 
nance. The  Mayor,  however,  declared  that  he  would  sign 
the  law  and  did  so.  The  A.  E.  I.,  on  September  25,  issued 
a  statement  commending  the  Council  and  the  Mayor  for  the 
passage  of  the  ordinance,  and  calling  upon  all  citizens  and 
civic  organizations  to  do  likewise.  It  reviewed  the  condi- 
tions that  led  to  the  passage  of  the  act,  and  upheld  the  valid- 
ity of  the  ordinance.^^^  On  October  2,  the  A.  E.  I.  issued  a 
second  statement  to  the  effect  that  civic  and  commercial  or- 
ganizations had  endorsed  the  ordinance.  This  statement 
was  followed  up  on  October  4,  5,  and  6,  by  a  double-page 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  529 

display  advertisement  exhibiting  the  fifteen  resolutions 
adopted  by  the  various  civic  and  commercial  organizations, 
which  thus  officially  commended  the  Mayor  and  the  Council 
for  the  passage  of  the  act.  The  Association  followed  this 
up  with  a  statement  on  the  benefits  that  Indianapolis  had  de- 
rived from  the  open  shop.  It  also  published  a  booklet  set- 
ting forth  who  the  union  leaders  were  that  had  signed  a  pro- 
test against  the  "  anti-picketing  "  ordinance,  and  who  had 
published  the  "  protest "  as  an  advertisement  in  the  city 
newspapers  on  October  11-13.^^^  It  had  notices  of  the  or- 
dinance printed  and  posted.  Thus  it  was  made  clear  to  all 
strikers  that  the  ordinance  prohibited  all  picketing  that  in  any 
way  intimidated,  disturbed,  or  molested  the  non-union  work- 
ers, and  that  it  provided  a  penalty  of  a  fine  from  $10  to  $300 
and  a  possible  additional  penalty  of  imprisonment  not  to 
exceed  sixty  days  in  jail  for  violation  of  the  law.^^^  The 
Association  then  sent  out  the  following  instructions : 

"  Employers  involved  in  labor  difficulty,  and  their  employees 
who  may  be  molested  by  labor  union  or  strike  pickets,  should 
immediately  bring  to  the  attention  of  the  Chief  of  Police  and 
the  City  Prosecutor,  all  instances  of  illegal  interference  which 
appear  to  be  in  violation  of  the  ordinance.  Diligence  must  be 
exercised  in  such  cases,  to  secure  all  information  and  evidence 
possible  as  to  what  occurred,  time,  place,  etc.,  including  the 
names  of  witnesses."  ^^^ 

The  ordinance  was  violated.  The  unions  sought  and  ob- 
tained a  temporary  injunction  restraining  the  authorities 
from  enforcing  the  law.  The  ordinance,  however,  was  held 
to  be  constitutional,  and  the  injunction  dissolved.  All  told, 
there  were  three  separate  court  decisions  upholding  the  valid- 
ity of  the  ordinance.  "  The  unions  appealed  from  these  de- 
cisions to  the  Supreme  Court  of  Indiana  where  the  case  is 
pending."      (Nov.  1920.)^^^ 

Other  Legislative  Activities. — The  A.  E.  I.  also  assisted 
in  encouraging  the  passage  of  an  "  anti-Bolshevik  "  law  by 


530         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

the  State  Legislature  of  Indiana.  The  Association  prepared 
notices  containing  this  act,  had  them  posted,  and  urged  pa- 
triotic citizens  throughout  the  State  to  report  to  the  attorney- 
general  or  the  county  prosecutor  any  violations  of  this  law. 
Similar  notice  and  appeal  were  made  with  respect  to  the  anti- 
sabotage  law  of  the  United  States.^ ^'^ 

The  Association  has,  on  the  other  hand,  successfully  op- 
posed much  legislation  sought  by  the  labor  unions.  For  in- 
stance, the  "  A.  F.  of  L.  model  anti-injunction  bill,"  which 
was  pressed  for  passage  by  the  Indiana  State  Federation  of 
Labor,  was  defeated  repeatedly  before  the  State  Legislature 
of  Indiana.  The  A.  E.  I.  analyzed  this  bill  and  pointed  out 
that  an  identical  law  in  Massachusetts  had  been  declared  un- 
constitutional by  the  Supreme  Court  of  that  State.  The  As- 
sociation appealed  to  those  who  believed  in  law  and  order 
to  write  to  their  state  senators  and  representatives  urging  the 
defeat  of  this  bill.  It  gave  the  names  of  the  senators  from 
Marion  County  and  of  the  members  of  the  House  Commit- 
tee on  Labor,  which  had  the  bill  under  consideration.^^^  It 
has  also  called  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  union  labor 
leaders,  although  they  were  demanding  legislation  to  abolish 
the  injunction  in  labor  disputes,  had  resorted  to  an  injunc- 
tion to  restrain  the  enforcement  of  the  "  anti-picketing  "  or- 
dinance. ^^^ 

The  A.  E.  I.  protested  against  and  denounced  the  passage 
of  the  Adamson  Law.^^^  It  opposed  the  Plumb  Plan  as  an 
attempt  to  "  sovietize  "  American  institutions,  and  urged  ex- 
tended "  educational  work  "  in  opposition  to  such  proposals. 
It  circulated  "  The  X.  Y.  Z.  of  the  Plumb  Plan  "  and  a 
printed  letter  of  Senator  Pomerene  as  a  part  of  that  "  edu- 
cational work."^^'  It  has  asked  of  the  various  associations 
with  whom  it  corresponds  for  information  in  regard  to  pro- 
posed legislation  in  state  or  municipality,  "  prohibiting  non- 
residents from  holding  jobs  as  strike-breakers  or  private  de- 
tectives or  guards  during  labor  troubles,  and  requiring  per- 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  531 

sons  holding  such  jobs  to  wear  badges."  It  has  taken  this 
step  to  head  off  such  legislation  at  the  behest  of  the  Amer- 
ican Federation  of  Labor.^^*  It  has  called  upon  the  business 
men  of  Indianapolis  to  protest  to  their  senators  and  congress- 
men against  the  enactment  of  the  Plumb  Plan  or  "  Tripartite 
Control  "  of  the  railroads.^^^  It  has  also  denounced  con- 
gressional inattention  to  identically  worded  protests  sent  m 
by  various  manufacturers.  It  contends  that  such  inattention 
amounts  to  a  denial  of  the  right  to  petition. ^'^  It  also  urged 
"  employers  to  protest  to  the  Railroad  Labor  Board  against 
recognition  of  any  plan  that  would  give  the  railway  unions 
control  over  the  railroads  or  management."  ^*^ 

The  A.  E.  I.  opposes  legislation  designed  to  create  a  "  new 
order  of  things  " ;  it  desires  "  constructive  legislation  and  the 
enforcement  of  laws  to  check  the  radicalism  of  the  A.  F.  of 
L.  and  the  Bolshevists,"  on  the  grounds  that  "  There  is  noth- 
ing wrong  with  the  United  States  except  there  has  been  too 
much  rampant,  privileged  and  unbridled  license  and  abuse 
of  the  *  right  of  free  speech  and  free  assembly '  on  the  part 
of  radicalists  who  seek  to  achieve  aggrandizement  through 
the  physical  overthrow  and  destruction  of  our  Republican 
form  of  government."  ^^*  The  Association  declares  that 
"  education,  the  teaching  of  Americanism,  the  passage  of 
anti-sedition  laws  and  similar  constructive  legislation  that 
will  curb,  imprison  or  deport  the  destructionists,  and  the  im- 
partial enforcement  of  existing  laws.  Constitutional  provi- 
sions and  the  Bill  of  Rights,  will  quickly  purge  the  situation 
of  all  our  principal  ills.  Radicalism  in  all  forms  must  be 
combated,  '  whether  it  be  masquerading  under  the  stolen 
name  of  democracy,  hiding  behind  the  skirts  of  State  So- 
cialism, or  appearing  in  the  guise  of  a  highly  Centralized 
Bureaucracy  as  opposed  to  a  Republican  form  of  Govern- 
ment. We  must  uphold  our  established  institutions  and 
fight  for  the  preservation  and  the  maintenance  of  the  exist- 
ing order  of  society,  the  perpetuation  of  the  rights  of  prop- 


532         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

erty,  the  sacredness  of  the  law  and  the  inviolableness  of  the 
courts/  "  ""  The  A.  E.  I.  insists  that  "  The  time  has  come 
for  the  teacher  and  the  preacher,  the  business  man  and  the 
newspaper,  and  for  every  one  who  loves  not  simply  America, 
but  who  loves  human  liberty  and  civilization,  to  awaken  to 
the  seriousness  of  the  struggle  which  is  now  before  us  in 
the  effort  of  radicalism  to  dominate  the  country."  ^*°  * 

Political  Activities. —  Legislation  and  law  enforcement 
inevitably  led  the  Association  into  politics.  The  A.  E.  I.  has 
found  it  necessary  to  come  to  the  political  support  of  offi- 
cials who  have  been  active  in  strictly  maintaining  law  and 
order  in  labor  disturbances,  or  who  have  participated  in  the 
enactment  of  legislation  restricting  the  activities  of  labor 
union  agitators.  Likewise  it  has  opposed  the  election  of 
candidates  who  were  union  agitators  or  pronounced  union 
sympathizers.  Its  political  efforts  have  been  remarkably 
successful.  Rarely  has  defeat  come  to  the  candidates  or 
nominees  whom  it  has  supported,  or  victory  come  to  those 
whom  it  has  opposed. ^^^  In  fact,  the  men  whom  the  unions 
oppose  and  the  Association  supports,  frequently  lead  all  the 
other  successful  contestants  by  large  majorities.^"*^  "  The 
Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  has  on  several  pre- 
vious occasions  issued  pamphlets  dealing  with  *  The  Polit- 
ical Defeat  of  Union  Labor  in  Indianapolis.'  A  score  of 
instances  have  been  cited  showing  that  in  practically  all  cases, 

*  Other  illustrations  of  legislative  and  political  activities  are :  It  has 
advocated  before  the  State  Legislature  of  Indiana  the  enactment  of 
a  "  State  Constabulary  Bill,"  and  an  "  Anti- Picketing  and  Anti-Boycott 
Bill,"  similar  to  the  ordinance  of  Indianapolis.  It  co-operated  with  the 
National  Industrial  Council  in  urging  U.  S.  Senators  to  support  the 
Federal  "  Anti-Strike  Bill  on  Railroads."  It  requested  President-Elect 
Harding  to  appoint  as  Secretary  of  Labor  a  man  "  who  can  and  will 
represent  all  the  people  without  prejudice  or  restraint  instead  of  a  mi- 
nority group  or  social  element  bent  only  upon  class  distinction  and 
special  privileges."  It  urged  others  to  send  similar  letters.  [D(2i)'20 
Letter;  Ja(28)'2i  Letter;  Bills  themselves;  Argument  in  Support  of 
Senate  Bill  No.  140.] 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  533 

candidates  for  public  office  whom  union  leaders  indorsed 
were  defeated,  while  the  candidates  whom  they  opposed, 
and  they  are  many,  were  elected,  usually  running  far  ahead 
of  their  ticket."  "^  In  order  further  to  demonstrate  how 
wide-spread  is  the  fact  that  union  labor  leaders  cannot 
deliver  the  labor  vote,  it  calls  attention  to  such  instances 
as  that  in  Detroit,  where  all  labor  union  candidates  were 
defeated  in  1918,^^^  and  summarizes  the  situation  in  the 
statement  that  "  The  man  who  says  he  can  deliver  the  *  labor 
vote '  is  a  crook,  and  the  man  that  believes  it  is  a  fool."  ^*' 
"  The  Association  is  not  a  political  organization  and  its 
oflficers  and  members  are  pledged  by  Resolution  not  to  par- 
ticipate in  politics  as  an  organization  except  in  emergen- 
cies," ^*®  such  as  are  enumerated  above.  In  1920,  however, 
it  adopted  a  resolution  urging  all  voters  to  see  that  the  nom- 
inees to  be  chosen  at  the  primaries  were  "  men  of  known  in- 
tegrity and  ability  who  stand  four  square  on  the  Constitu- 
tion against  *  special  privilege  '  and  in  defense  of  true  Ameri- 
can traditions,  ideals  and  principles  in  our  governmental 
affairs  and  in  our  industrial  and  public  life."  ^*^  The  A.  E. 
I.  resolved  especially  to  "  call  upon  all  citizens  to  uphold  our 
established  institutions,  the  perpetuation  of  the  rights  of 
property;  the  sacredness  of  the  law,  and  the  inviolableness  6f 
the  courts,  and  to  militantly  oppose  any  man  or  organization 
of  men  opposed  to  these  principles  and  which  opposition,  in 
organized  form  is  at  the  present  moment,  manifested  to  a 
large  extent  in  the  collective  activities  of  the  American  Fed- 
eration of  Labor  and  its  subsidiary  unions."'  ^^^  It  also  re- 
solved "  that  we  support,  and  urge  upon  our  elected  represen- 
tatives and  duly  appointed  officers  of  Government,  the 
enforcement  of  all  laws  directed  against  rez^olutionary  and 
un-American  activities,  whether  in  individual  or  collective 
form,  and  we  call  upon  our  citizens  generally  to  study  for 
themselves  and  inculcate  in  others,  the  doctrines  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States,  the  traditions  of  the 


534         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

country  and  the  principles  and  liberties  handed  down  to  us 
from  our  forefathers,  in  order  that  we  may  immediately 
return  to  paths  of  safety  and  sanity."  ^**  Moreover,  it  re- 
solved to  oppose  socialism  in  any  form  and  under  any  name. 
It  is,  for  this  reason,  antagonistic  to  the  Non-Partisan 
League,  the  Marion  County  Labor  Defense  League,  "  the 
Committee  of  48,  the  Farmer-Labor  Party,  and  similar 
radical  movements."  ^^* 

Patriotic  Activities. —  In  addition  to  its  other  activities 
relating  to  governmental  affairs,  the  Association  has  en- 
gaged, especially  during  the  war,  in  "  patriotic  activities." 
It  mailed  out  important  notices  to  its  extensive  mailing  list 
for  the  U.  S.  Marshall,  the  Department  of  Justice,  the  Treas- 
ury Department,  the  Bureau  of  Internal  Revenue,  the  U.  S. 
Navy,  the  Ordinance  Bureau,  the  War  Industries  Board, 
the  Department  of  Labor,  and  the  Department  of  Commerce. 
It  co-operated  with  the  War  Chest,  the  U.  S.  Food  Adminis- 
tration, the  War  Camp  Community  Service,  "  and  other  pa- 
triotic agencies."  ^^°  It  aided  in  Liberty  Loan  drives,  di- 
rectly and  indirectly.  It  helped  employers  promote  the  sale 
of  Liberty  Bonds  among  their  employees.  It  encouraged 
the  formation  of  Thrift  Clubs.  It  subscribed  for  Liberty 
Bonds  out  of  its  own  funds.  It  supported  the  Red  Cross 
drives  for  membership  and  contributions.  It  took  part  in 
the  distribution  of  forms  for  income  taxes,  and  in  the  col- 
lection of  information  at  the  source  of  incomes. ^^°  It  sent 
out  to  employers  a  notice  of  regulations  relating  to  the  ex- 
cise tax  on  the  employment  of  child  labor.^^^  It  circulated 
ah  announcement  of  employment  management  courses.^^^ 
It  aided  the  Government  in  obtaining  machinists  for  the 
"  workshops  of  Uncle  Sam."  ^^^  It  engaged  in  a  publicity 
campaign  to  induce  workers  near  Indianapolis  to  come  to 
that  city  to  work  on  war  materials ;  ^^^  also  in  a  campaign  to 
"  keep  labor  at  home  "  except  for  ship-building  during  the 
War.^^^     It  issued  a  leaflet  telling  "  How  American  Me- 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  535 

chanics  Can  Win  the  War,"  by  not  striking,  but  by  giving 
"  their  full  time  and  maximum  production."  ^^^  In  another 
leaflet  "  Concerning  Labor's  Loyalty,"  the  A.  E.  L  ques- 
tioned the  loyalty  of  union  leaders  because  they  incited  war- 
time strikes."'  It  had  its  share  in  the  passage  of  an  ordi- 
nance against  loafing  during  wartime,  and  it  circulated  the 
"  Work  or  Fight  Order  "  in  poster  form.^^®  It  sent  out  to 
employers  a  notice  of  the  provisions  of  the  selective  service 
draft  regulations  relating  to  the  exemption  of  workmen 
necessary  to  essential  industries,  and  urged  employers  to 
use  care  and  much  discretion  in  choosing  men  to  be  ex- 
empted.^^®  It  also  contributed  to  the  efficiency  of  the  work- 
ers by  insisting  that  during  the  epidemic  "  Flu  Masks  Must 
Be  Worn."  ^®°  It  requested  employers  to  attend  a  meeting 
called  to  explain  the  U.  S.  Employment  Service  and  urged 
them  to  co-operate  with  that  Service.^ ^^  It  also  appealed 
for  funds  to  help  support  an  advertising  campaign  of  that 
Service.^^^  It  issued  a  leaflet  on  the  findings  of  the  Na- 
tional War  Labor  Board  that  coercive  measures  of  any 
sort  must  not  be  used  to  compel  persons  to  join  a  union  or 
to  force  employers  to  bargain  with  the  unions.^®*  It  also 
circulated  "  President  Wilson's  Warning  to  Bridgeport 
Strikers  "  that  they  would  be  blacklisted  and  their  exemption 
from  military  service  revoked  unless  they  returned  to 
work.^®*  It  distributed  the  protest  of  the  munition  manu- 
facturers of  Hartford,  Conn.,  against  the  recommendation 
of  the  National  War  Labor  Board  in  regard  to  union  de- 
mands in  the  Smith  and  Wesson  Company  Case.^*^^  It  has 
f et  forth  the  "  Status  Quo  Basis,"  and  the  "  Principles  and 
Practices "  of  the  National  War  Labor  Board,  also  the 
"  Government's  Position  on  the  Open  Shop."  ^°° 

The  Association  engages  in  "  educational  work  "  to  a  na- 
tion-wide extent.  Its  theory  of  "  educational  work  "  is  that, 
"  It  is  a  mistake  to  wait  until  trouble  comes  and  then  try  to 
invoke  public  opinion."  ^®'     It  states  that,  "  It  has  always 


536         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

recognized  that  a  wholesome  public  sentiment,  and  a  clear 
understanding  of  the  equitable  labor  relationship  between 
employer  and  employee,  is  just  as  necessary  to  the  welfare 
and  progress,  and  the  industrial  and  commercial  stability  and 
tranquillity  of  this  community,  as  the  '  maintenance  of  the 
national  interest/  was  to  the  winning  of  the  War."  ^^^ 

The  Association's  "  Educational  Work  "  has  influenced 
public  opinion  in  Indianapolis  and  throughout  the  nation. 
The  Association  is  confident  that  it  "  has  been  a  potent 
factor  "  "  in  the  molding  of  a  healthful  public  sentiment."  ^®® 
"  It  has  distributed  millions  of  pieces  of  educational  and 
instructive  literature,  not  only  to  its  mailing  list  of  3000 
business  men  and  employers  of  labor,  but  also  to  public  and 
professional  men,  clergymen  and  officers  in  public  service  in 
Federal,  State,  County  and  Municipal  Government."  ^'^*^ 
Nor  is  its  "  educational  work  "  limited  to  printed  material. 
Its  officers,  notably  its  Secretary,  Mr.  A.  J.  Allen,  have,  in 
addition  to  writing  many  articles  on  the  open  shop,  de- 
livered a  number  of  addresses  in  many  cities  on  labor  mat- 
ters. ^^^  The  Association  estimates  that  its  "  educational 
work  "  has  been  worth  to  the  community  "  many  times  over 
the  time,  effort  and  expense  that  it  has  cost  the  Associa- 
tion." "'^  It  is  convinced  that  "  the  industrial  tranquillity  " 
which  the  city  has  enjoyed  is  due  "  in  no  small  degree,  to  this 
very  essential  work,  which  has  resulted  in  the  molding  of 
an  intelligent  public  opinion  in  industrial  matters."  ^'^^ 

Literature  Circulated ;  Extent ;  Illustrations. — The  lit- 
erature circulated  by  the  A.  E.  I.  is  varied  as  well  as  exten- 
sive, but  no  one  piece  is  bulky.  The  list  is  too  long  to  enum- 
erate at  this  place.  A  few  titles  will  illustrate  the  range  of 
the  leaflets,  pamphlets  and  other  circulars  that  have  been 
issued :  "  What  Ails  Us  "  is  an  address  delivered  at  the 
Association's  Annual  Meeting  by  B.  F.  Harris  on  the  causes 
and  solution  of  the  present  unrest.  "  Labor  and  Liberty  " 
is  a  speech  by  Albert  J.  Beveridge  attacking  organized  labor 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  537 

for  its  assault  on  American  traditions  and  established  insti- 
tutions. "  The  Manual  of  Americanism  "  by  A.  J.  Allen  is 
also  distributed.  There  are  booklets  and  leaflets,  such  as 
Forbes :  "  Teamwork,"  and  "  Playing  the  Game,"  and 
Boetcker:  "  The  Woman  in  the  Case."  Discussions  of  the 
relation  of  high  wages  to  high  prices  appear  in  "  Money 
Wages  vs.  Real  Wages,"  "  Wages  and  the  H.  C.  L.,"  and 
"  Where  Will  It  All  End  ?  "  It  mailed  out  a  printed  letter 
of  Congressman  J.  Stanley  Webster  to  Samuel  Gompers  on 
illegal  strikes.  It  called  attention  to  national  attempts  by  the 
unions  to  meet  the  swing  of  the  nation  to  the  open  shop,  in 
"  Union  Leaders  Organize  to  Oppose  Open  Shop."  It  set 
forth  American  tradftions  in  "  Gems  of  Thought  on  Law 
and  Liberty."  ^^*  It  has  sent  employers  and  employees 
thousands  of  copies  of  such  booklets  as  "  The  Open  Shop 
Primer  "  by  Jacob  Nathan  and  "  Closed  Shop  Unionism." 
It  has  issued  reprints  that  deal  with  practically 
every  phase  of  the  Association's  activities,  and  which  dis- 
cuss almost  every  vital  question  in,  industrial  relations. 
During  the  past  year  alone,  the  Association  distributed 
1,500,000  pieces  of  literature  bearing  on  the  open  shop.  It 
has  a  mailing  list  of  3000  persons,  firms,  corporations  and 
associations.^'^^  "  It  sends  its  messages  to  all  those  who 
could  be  expected  to  entertain  fair  and  sympathetic  views 
toward  labor,  the  clergymen,  educators,  lawyers,  judges, 
students,  public  officials,  professional  men,  employers  and 
employees  alike."  ^''^  * 

*  During  a  two-mqnths  period  in  1921,  the  A.  E.  I.  circulated  the 
following  literature :  "  Social  Justice  vs.  Closed  Shop  Misleadership," 
"  The  '  Open  Shop '  the  Only  Safe  Road  for  the  Country,"  "  Why  the 
Open  Shop  Campaign  is  Successful,"  "  Capital  vs.  Labor  Conflict  Near 
Crisis,"  "  The  Great  Open  Shop  '  Conspiracy,' "  "  Grafting  Union 
Officials  Must  Be  Eliminated,"  "  The  Opportunity  to  Hold  Labor's  Good 
Will,"  "  Mistakes  of  the  Interchurch  Steel  Report,"  "  A  Reply  to  the 
Charge  of  the  Federal  Council  of  Churches  of  Christ  in  America," 
" Anti-Picketing  and  Anti-Boycott  Bill."  "A  Bill  to  Prohibit  Picketing 
and  Boycotting,"  "  Argument  in  Support  of  Senate  Bill  No.  140,"  "  State 
Constabulary  Bill,"  "  Open  Shop  Bulletin  No.  3  "  of  the  National  Asso- 


538         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

The  following  quotation  indicates  the  extent  to  which  the 
Association  attempts  to  influence,  for  instance,  official 
opinion : 

"  In  addition  to  business  firms,  etc.,  our  list  embraces  Federal 
officials,  such  as  Judges,  District  Attorney,  U.  S.  Marshall, 
Revenue  Collector,  Department  of  Justice,  Postmaster,  etc. ; 
all  State  officers,  including  Gov.  James  P.  Goodrich,  Appellate 
and  Supreme  Court  Judges,  Attorney  General,  State  Draft 
Executives,  Local  Draft  and  Legal  Advisory  Boards,  etc. ; 
County  officials,  including  Circuit,  Superior  and  Criminal  Court 
Judges,  Prosecuting  Attorney,  Justices  of  the  Peace,  Sheriff, 
etc. ;  City  officials,  including  the  Mayor,  Department  of  Safety, 
Chief  of  Police,  City  Court  Judge,  City  Councilmen,  some  rank- 
ing police  officers,  etc. ;  also  some  clergymen  and  professional 
men;  and  all  the  more  important  local  civic  and  commercial 
bodies."  "^ 

Interrelations ;  Evolution. —  Its  "  educational  work  " 
has  brought  it  into  close  relations  with  associations  through- 
out the  United  States,  and  to  a  large  extent  has  contributed 
to  its  national  significance.  The  development  of  its  interrela- 
tions is  one  of  the  most  interesting  phases  of  its  evolution. 
The  Association  was  organized  in  January,  1904,  and  grew 
out  of  the  conditions  that  called  the  Citizens'  Industrial  As- 
sociation of  America  into  existence.  It  was  then  known  as 
the  Employers'  Association  of  Indianapolis.  That  its 
growth  was  rapid  is  evidenced  by  the  facts  that,  ( i )  within 
two  months  after  its  formation,  it  had  ten  or  more  dele- 
gates to  the  adjourned  session  of  the  first  annual  conven- 
tion of  the  C.  I.  A,  A.,  (2)  it  was  represented  on  the  com- 
mittee on  the  revision  of  the  constitution  of  the  C.  I.  A.  A., 
and  (3)  one  or  more  of  its  del^ates  addressed  the  conven- 
tion.^"^®    In  19 1 3,  it  formed  the  Commercial  Vehicle  Pro- 

ciation  of  Manufacturers,  an  issue  of  Th^  Shield,  whicfh  contained  much 
open-shop  news  and  comment,  and  a  booklet  on  strike  insurance,  "  A 
New  Asset  for  Industry,"  issued  by  the  Employers'  Mutual  Insurance 
and  Service  Company.     [Booklets  and  leaflets  themselves.] 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  539 

tective  Association  to  combat  the  teamsters'  strike,  and 
in  1914,  absorbed  this  auxiliary  organization  completely. 
With  the  re-organization  and  expansion,  its  name  was 
changed  to  that  it  now  bears.  ^"^^  The  A.  E.  I.  has  been 
linked  up  with  the  Indianapolis  Branch  of  the  National 
Metal  Trades  Association,  and  the  Foundrymen's  Associa- 
tion of  Indianapolis  in  various  activities.^**'  Mr.  A.  J.  Allen 
has  served  as  Secretary  of  the  Foundrymen's  Association 
and  the  Indianapolis  Branch  of  the  N.  M.  T.  A.  for  many 
years,^*^  and  the  A.  E.  I.  has  been  more  vigorous  than  ever 
since  he  became  its  secretary  a  few  years  ago.  He  has  de- 
veloped especially  the  "  educational  work  "  of  the  Associa- 
tion, and  has  co-operated  very  extensively  with  other  asso- 
ciations in  this  work. 

The  A.  E.  I.  has  circulated  material  of  or  about  other  as- 
sociations. It  sent  out  a  reprint  of  the  open-shop  advertise- 
ments of  the  Manufacturers  and  Employers'  Association  of 
San  Diego.  There  were  thirty-four  of  these  and  they 
ranged  from  an  eighth  of  a  page  to  an  entire  page.  They 
set  forth  many  strong  arguments  for  the  open  shop.  The 
open-shop  advertisements  of  the  Employers'  Association  of 
Louisville,  Kentucky,  were  likewise  reprinted  and  circulated, 
and  an  article  from  Industry  was  reprinted  which  told  how 
that  association  conducted  its  advertising  campaign  for  the 
open  shop.  It  has  asked  all  open-shop  organizations  to  send 
to  it  a  complete  set  of  all  newspaper  advertisements  pub- 
lished in  their  open-shop  educational  campaigns.*®^  It  has 
given  short  expositions  on  how  other  associations  function 
in  securing  and  maintaining  the  open  shop,  for  instance,  the 
Employers'  Association  of  Denver.^®*  It  has  given  pub- 
licity suggestions  to  other  associations  on  how  to  promote 
the  open  shop.^**  It  has  published  the  open-shop  resolu- 
tions of  other  associations.^®"  It  has  mailed  out  the  "  Hours 
of  Work  "  pamphlet  of  the  National  Industrial  Conference 
Board."*     It    has    circulated    copies    of    The    Employer, 


540         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

The  Iron  Trade  Review,  The  Open  Shop  Review,  and  other 
trade  and  industrial  publications, ^^"^  and  reprints,  for  in- 
stance, of  the  Michigan  Manufacturer  and  Financial  Rec- 
ord, the  official  organ  of  the  Michigan  Manufacturers'  Asso- 
ciation, a  reprint  which  attacked  the  A.  F.  of  L.  as  unpatri- 
otic during  the  war,  and  which  thus  furnished  material  for 
other  open-shop  associations  to  use  to  check  union  agitation. 
It  has  disseminated  open  shop  information  through  the 
medium  also  of  "The  Open  Shop  Folder"  of  the  Open 
Shop  Association  of  Beaumont,  Texas.^*^  It  has  likewise 
used  its  mailing  list  to  circulate  leaflets  and  pamphlets  of  the 
National  Association  of  Owners  of  Railroad  Securities,  of 
the  American  Service  League,  and  of  the  National  Security 
League,  "  the  National  Industrial  Conference  Board,  the 
National  Erectors'  Association,  the  National  Metal  Trades 
Association,  the  National  Founders'  Association,  and 
similar  national  organizations."^^® 

Co-operation. —  The  A.  E.  I.  has  kept  in  close  touch  with 
about  a  thousand  local,  state  and  national  associations  in 
commercial,  financial  and  industrial  fields.  It  has  done  this 
through  correspondence,  bulletins,  reports  and  personal  con- 
tact.^®^  Its  Secretary,  Mr.  A.  J.  Allen,  attends  meetings  of 
other  associations,  also  conferences  of  association  secreta- 
ries.^®^ It  receives  and  answers  many  letters  of  inquiry  in  re- 
gard to  organization  work.^®^  Secretary  Allen  is  called  upon 
frequently  to  aid  other  cities  in  organizing  associations.^'* 
The  A.  E.  I.  sends  out  notices  of  "  secretaries  wanted,"  also 
of  other  association  officials  desired  by  some  new  associa- 
tion.^®^ It  requests  other  associations  to  send  copies  of 
their  constitutions  and  by-laws  to  associations  in  the  process 
of  formation. ^®^  It  suggests  to  association  officials  that 
they  should  send  words  of  encouragement  to  newly-formed 
associations,^®^  and  "  strives  to  promote  acquaintance  and 
co-operation  among  all  industrial  associations  throughout  the 
country."  ^®^ 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  541 

In  order  further  to  expand  this  work  the  A.  E.  I.  has  com- 
piled a  comprehensive  Hst  of  the  open-shop  employers'  asso- 
ciations of  the  nation.^**  It  has  "  undertaken  the  effort  to 
link  together  the  employers'  associations  and  the  commercial 
organizations  that  favor  the  *  American  plan  of  employ- 
ment,' so  as  to  form  a  national  federation  of  these  asso- 
ciations, for  the  purpose  of  discussing  labor  problems,  ex- 
changing views  and  experiences  in  local  matters."  ^**  This 
new  organization  is  to  function  as  a  formal  "  clearing 
house  "  for  open-shop  associations.^^  The  Association  has 
exposed  "  so-called  open-shop  organizers  who  sought  to 
commercialize  the  open-shop  movement,  for  financial  gain, 
rather  than  to  co-ordinate  it  unselfishly  with  no  thought  or 
expectation  of  gain  or  reward."  ^^^ 

Promoting  Federation. —  In  its  proposal  to  co-ordinate 
the  efforts  of  existing  and  future  open-shop  associations, 
the  A.  E.  I.  has  suggested  possible  names,  and  has  can- 
vassed the  various  associations  for  an  expression  of  senti- 
ment on  the  matter.  The  new  federation  is  not  designed  to 
supplant  the  local  organizations  in  their  efforts  in  behalf  of 
the  open  shop,  but  rather  to  give  them  help,  counsel  and 
advice  when  needed  or  desired.  A  weekly  digest  of  news  of 
importance  to  the  associations  is  proposed.^"^ 

REFERENCES 

^  Labor  Conditions  and  the  Open  Shop  in  Indianapolis,  p.  4,  (Abv. 
Labor)  ;  Country-Wide  "  Open-Shop  "  Move  Now  Under  Way,  (Abv. 
Country)  ;  Millions  Appropriated  to  "  Throttle  Business,"  p.  16,  (Abv. 
Millions),  N(i)'2o  Letter.  2  Labor  3;  Constructive  Activities  of  Em- 
ployers' Associations,  p.  4,  (Abv.  Constructive).  ^  Nation  Swinging 
to  Open  Shop,  p.  8,  (Reprinted  from  the  Iron  Trade  Review,  Sept. 
23,  19^,  also  in  D  '20  Employer),  (Abv.  Nation);  Constructive  5. 
*  The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis,  Declaration  of  Principles, 
Constitution  and  By-Laws,  p.  7,  (Abv.  Const).  °  Labor  3.  ®  Const  6; 
Labor  6.  ^  Const  13.  ®  Const  6-7.  »  Const  11.  ^°  Const  11.  ^^  Const 
11-12.  12  (^orist  12.  13  Const  5.  1*  Labor  9;  see  also  Constructive  2; 
Country;  Nation  6.  ^^  Const  3-4;  Country;  Constructive  9.  1®  Coun- 
try;  Labor   12.     i^N(i)'20  Letter  from  the  Association;   Millions   13, 


54^         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

17.  i8N(i)'2o  Letter;  Nation  8.  "Nation  8.  20  Rig^t  of  Free  Con- 
tract Between  Employer  and  Employee,  (Abv.  Right)  ;  Nation  8; 
N(i)'2o  Letter;  0(25) '20  Special  Information  Bulletin,  p.  6,  (Abv. 
0(25) '20  Special).  2iN(i)'20  Letter;  Contract  itself.  22N(i)'20 
Letter;  see  also  Nation  5,  7.  23N(i)'20  Letter.  '^*N(,i)'20  Letter; 
see  also  Labor  5 ;  Millions  41 ;  Constructive  4,  5 ;  Nation  4 ;  Patri- 
otic Duty  of  Employers,  (Abv.  Patriotic) ;  N,  A.  M.  Open  Shop  News 
Service  No.  2,  (Abv.  Service).  25  Resolutions  Unanimously  Adopted 
at  the  Sixteenth  Annual  Meeting,  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis, 
Inc.,  Tuesday,  February  17,  1920,  (Abv.  Resolutions) ;  Millions  28,  43. 
2«  Country.  27  n(i)»2o  Letter;  see  also  Country.  28^(1) '20  Letter; 
see  also  Country.  29^(1) '20  Letter;  see  also  Mr (20) '20  Letter. 
80N(i)'2O  Letter;  see  also  The  Individual  Clergyman  and  the  Prob- 
lems of  Industry,  (Abv.  Individual)  ;  Millions  12-13.  ^^  Resolutions. 
82N(i)'20  Letter;  see  also  Resolutions;  Millions  28.  ^^  Nation  5;  see 
also  Individual;  Au(3o)'20  Special  Bulletin  (Abv..  Au[3o]'20  Spe- 
cial). 34  jndividual ;  Au(3o)'2o  Special;  Reprints  themselves.  ^^  La- 
bor 4.  s"0(25)'20  Special  i.  ^7  L^bor  7,  see  also  p.  6;  Millions  13, 
I5>  17-  3*  Booklets  themselves.  ^°}^ii)'20  Letter;  see  also  Courts 
Uphold  Constitutionality  of  Anti- Picketing  Ordinance,  p.  5,  (Abv. 
Courts).  40N(i)'2O  Letter;  see  also  Open  Shop  Folder;  Jl(24)'i9 
Letter;  Labor  9;  Millions  9,  29;  Butcher  Workers'  Strike  Called  Off, 
(Abv.  Butcher).  *i  Strikers,  (Reprint  Jl(i7)'i8  Indianapolis  News). 
^2  Labor  12.  *3i3(i2)'20  Letter;  see  also  D(ii)'20  Special  Letter; 
Two  Editorials  of  Timely  Interest,  (Abv.  E^ditorials).  "Where  Will 
It  All  End?  *5  Millions  38;  see  also  4,  37-  *«  N(i)'20  Letter;  see  also 
The  Business  Agent ;  The  Walking  Delegate.  *^  Resolutions ;  Country ; 
Millions  15,  27,  40,  43,  see  also  17,  38.  ^^  Labor  8,  9,  10;  Millions  11; 
0(2S)'2o  Special  5.  *»  Wages  and  the  H.  C.  L.  ^o  Labor's  Verdict 
Against  Labor,  ^i  Millions  9.  18,  20,  21,  22-23,  24,  25,  35,  36;  0(25) '20 
Special  i,  3-4,  5;  The  Whole  Truth  About  the  Closed  Shop  Press, 
(Abv.  Whole  Truth).  ^2  Au(3o)'20  Special;  see  also  0(25) '20  Special 
4,  8.  53  Millions  9,  18-20,  37;  0(25) '20  Special  5,  6.  ^4  Millions  26. 
55  Resolutions ;  Millions  26-27.  ^e  Resolutions ;  see  also  Millions  29, 
3&-39;  The  Closed  Shop  Is  Illegal;  Service.  ^7  Millions  26;  Labor  8. 
58  Resolutions ;  Millions  26;  see  also  Editorials.  59N(i)'20  Letter; 
see  also  Resolutions;  Millions  16.  -^o  Indiana  Sounds  Clarion  Call  for 
Open  Shop  Program,  (Abv.  Indiana)  ;  Millions  16,  18.  «i  Millions  18; 
What  the  Open  Shop  Does.  «2  Millions  16,  39;  0(25)'20  Special  8. 
83  Kills  the  Goose  of  Golden  Eggs;  Millions  18;  0(25) '20  Special  4- 
8*  Country;  Indianapolis  a  Good  Place  in  Which  to  Live,  Invest  and 
Work ;  Financial  Advantages  of  American  Plan ;  Millions  41.  *5  Labor 
4;  Nation  5;  Courts  2;  Open  Shop  Folder  i;  Indiana;  Millions  5. 
68  Labor  4 ;  Millions  41 ;  Indianapolis  Holds  a  Distinguished  Place 
Among  the  Cities  of  the  United  States  for  a  Record  of  Industrial 
Peace,  (Abv.  Indianapolis).  «7N(i)'2o  Letter;  Millions  41 ;  Nation 
S;  D(i3)'20  Letter,  see  also  Indianapolis  "One  of  the  Least  Disturbed 


The  Associated  Employers  of  Indianapolis  543 

Industrial  Centers  in  the  Country " ;  Service.  *8  Nation  5.  "'  Courts 
II.  ^°The  American  Plan  of  Employment  a  Civic  Asset,  (Abv. 
American).  71  Mr(25)'20  Letter.  72O(25)'20  Special  i;  Nation  2, 
S;  Labor  4;  Millions  40;  Service.  ^3  i^i,or  7.  ''*  Nation  6-7.  ^^  La. 
bor  7;  S(2)'2o  Letter;  Millions  18,  20,  21,  22-24.  ''*Ja(i4)'20  Let- 
ter. 77  Facts  About  Indianapolis,  (Abv.  Facts).  78N(i)'20  Letter; 
"The  Open  Shop"  6:  35,  222,  276,  (Abv.  OS);  Vocational  Education 
Survey  of  Indianapolis.  79Q(25)'2o  Special  2,  3;  N  '20  Letter  from 
Director  of  Vocational  Education.  **<'N(i)'20  Letter;  S(2i)'20  Letter. 
*i  Mr  (25) '20  Letter;  Millions  42;  Indianapolis.  ^^  Const  13-14.  **  Pa- 
triotic; A  Warning  to  Employers;  Nation  5.  ^•♦Mr(25)'20  Letter. 
*°  Millions  i,  9-10.  *«  Millions  43;  Resolutions.  8to(25)'20  Special  5. 
**  Millions  13-14;  American  Plan  of  Employment,  (Abv.  Plan.  [cf. 
Abv.  American]);  Americanism  or  Unionism  —  Which?  ^^Plan;  Mil- 
lions 13-14;  Searchlight  on  Bowser  Affair;  Keating  Company  Adopts 
American  Plan.  *°  Millions  9.  *i  Millions  9,  16,  32-33,  36.  ^^  Bankers 
Adopt  Open  Shop  Resolution,  Special  Bulletin,  March  8,  1920,  (Abv. 
Bankers);  0(25)'2o  Special  5,  6;  Millions  15-16,  18.  »3S(i)'2o  Let- 
ter. 84S(2i)'2o  Letter.  »5S(2)'20  Letter.  »« Millions  3-6;  Whole 
Truth.  97  Millions  34-35-  ®*  Millions  36,  38,  39.  99  Millions  4;  D(2)'20 
Emergency  Bulletin,  (Abv.  "Emergency),  i°°F(i2)'20  Letter.  101 N 
(i)'20  Letter;  Discussion  on  Shop  Representation.  *<*2N(i)'20  Letter; 
Millions  33,  39:  Editorials;  How  long  will  American  Wage 
Earners  Submit  to  This?;  Employees  Uphold  the  Open  Shop.  ^^^  N(i) 
'20  Letter ;  see  also  Nation  6.  i"*  N  ( i )  '20  Letter ;  see  also  Labor  3 : 
Nation  6;  Effort  to  Unionize  Indianapolis  Street  Car  System  Fails; 
In  Recognition  of  "Faithful  Performance  of  Duty"  etc.  i°''N(i) 
'20  Letter ;  see  also  Nation  7.  ^"^  Const  9.  io7  Const  9-10.  ^^^  n 
(i)'20  Letter.  i99  0(7)'i9  Letter;  D(2)'20  Emergency  Bulletin;  O 
(25)'2o  Special  i;  Au(3o)'2o  Special;  More  About  the  "Farmer- 
Labor  Party,"  etc.,  (Abv.  More).  "0N(i)'2o  Letter;  Allen's  The 
Association's  Employment  Bureau,  m  Open  Shop  Resolution ;  Na- 
tion 5;  Millions  43.  "^  Millions  7.  "^  Labor  7.  "*  Right;  Na- 
tion 6.  ii'*  N(i)'20  Letter;  Shall  the  Government  or  Labor  Unions 
Rule?;  Millions  13;  0(25) '20  Special  7.  "«  0(25) '20  Special  6,  7-8; 
Millions  37.  ii7N(i)'2o  Letter;  see  also  Nation  7.  ^^^  Resolutions. 
119  Constructive  6,  8;  Ethical  Justice;  Millions  40.  120  Millions  39,  44; 
The  Anti-Picketing  Ordinance;  Anti-Bolshevik  Law  of  Indiana;  Ja 
(28)'20  Letter;  Nation  6.  i2in(i)'20  Letter;  American;  0(25)'20 
Special  i ;  The  Anti-Picketing  Ordinance ;  Millions  89,  44.  122  Labor 
7.  123  Courts  6.  124  Courts  7;  see  also  Millions  7;  0(25) '20  Special  i. 
1^5  Courts  9.  12"  Strike  Picketing  Prohibited ;  American.  127  Courts 
2.  i28N(i)'20  Letter;  see  also  Third  Decision  Upholding  Validity  of 
the  Anti-Picketing  Ordinance.  129  N(  1)20  Letter;  see  also  Anti-Bol- 
shevik Law.  130  Courts  4;  Nation  8;  "Model"  Anti-Injunction  Bill 
of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  i^i  Courts  4-5;  0(25) '20  Spe- 
cial 7.    i22Au(i4)'i9  Manufacturers'  Record  Supplement,     i^s  Booklet 


544         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

itself;    Letter    itself.     i3*D(8)'20   Letter.     "5Ja(29)'20   Letter;    Mil- 
lions   29;    Au(9)'i9    Letter.     "6N(i)'2o    Letter;    Jl(i5)'i9   Industry 
1-2;  The  Right  of  Petition.     ^^''Nii)'2o  Letter.     i38N(i)'2o  Letter; 
see  alsd  Labor  10.     ^-^^  Labor  11;  see  also  Millions  39.     ^*°  Millions  i. 
"1  Nation    7-8;    Enter   the    Election    Booth.    "2  Elect   Your    Friends, 
Defeat  Your  Enemies;  O  '19  American  Industries  29.    ^*^  Courts  4;  see 
also  Union  Labor  Leaders'  Political  Defeat  in  Indiana  on  November 
7,    1916.     !*■*  Detroit's    Union    Labor   Vote.     ^*^  Millions    31-32,    i"  N 
(i)'2o    Letter;    see    also    Resolutions;    Millions    40.    ^*^  Resolutions. 
1*8  Resolutions.    "»  N  ( i )  '20  Letter ;  Where  Will  It  All  End  ?  ;  Butcher ; 
Millions  6-8;  National  Non- Partisan  League— Its  Aims  and  Purposes; 
More.     i50N(i)'2o  Letter;  see  also  Constructive  5-8,    i^^^  Notice  itself, 
102  N(  19) '18    Letter.    i*3  Constructive    8.    1^*  Facts;    Inside    Employ- 
ment; Your  Son  and  Your  Neighbors'  Sons  Are  Calling  You.     ^^^  Con- 
structive 6.    1^6  Leaflet  itself.     ^^^  Leaflet   itself ;  see  also  Warning  to 
Unions ;  Labor's  Lingering  Greed ;  Strikes  and  Patriotism ;  New  Scheme 
to  Unionize  Called  Unpatriotic.    ^^^  Poster  itself  ;  Work  or  Fight ;  War- 
Loafer    Ordinance.     ^^^  Notice    itself;    see    also    S(i8)'i8    Letter,    on 
above  points.    1®°  Notice  itself.     ^^^  Au(2i)'i8  Letter;  Meeting  of  Em- 
ployers  Concerning   U.    S.    Employment   Service.    i82Au(23)'i8   Let- 
ter; Government  Calls  on  Every  Business  Man,  etc.    i**^  Leaflet  itself, 
i^*  Leaflet    itself,     ^^^he&^tt    itself.    ^^^  Constructive    16-20;    Millions 
30-31 ;    Status   Quo   Basis ;    Our  Government's   Position   on   the    Open 
Shop.    1^^  Nation  5.    ^^^  Labor  6.    ^^^  Constructive  6.    ^'"^  Constructive 
6.    1^1  A   Manual  of  Americanism;   O   S   6:   59-68,   140-141,  269-277. 
"2  0(3) '18   Letter.     1^3  0(3) '18   Letter,     i-^*  Literature    itself,     i"  Na- 
tion 3,  4;  see  also  Constructive  3-4;   Labor  6;   Notation  on  booklets 
themselves.    ^'^^  Nation   4.     ^^^  0(3) '18   Letter;    see   also   Constructive 
3-4)  ;  D(ii)'20  Special  Letter.     ^^^  Proceedings  of  the  Adjourned  Ses- 
sion of  the  First  Convention  of  the  Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of 
America,  pp.   14,  16,  37;  Bulletin  No.   i  of  the  Citizens'  Industrial  As- 
sociation of  America,  p.  8.    i'^'' Labor  3.    i8°Au(23)'i8  Letter;  Nation 
8.    181  N(i)'2o  Letter;  O  S  6:  59,  140,  269.     i82D(8)'20  Letter;  Circu- 
lars themselves,     i^s  Union   Leaders   Organize  to   Oppose  Open   Shop, 
(Abv.   Union).    i8*S(2i)'20   Letter.    i85  0(25)'20   Special  6;    Whole 
Truth ;    Builders'    Exchange   Votes   Open   Shop   by    108  to    i ;    Union. 
i8«  Circulars  themselves.    1^7  N(i)'20  Letter,    i^s  Reprints  and  "Folder" 
themselves.     i89N(j)'20     Letter;     Circulars     themselves,     i^'*  Country. 
i9iS(2i)'20  Letter.     i»2  Constructive  3.     i93N(i)'2o  Letter;  Nation  4. 
i8*My(9)'i9   Letter;    also   Au(9)'i9;    F(i2)'20;    My(8)'2o;    S(2i)'20 
Letters.    10=  S (21) '20  Letter,    i^e  My(9) '19  Letter,    i^^  N(i) '20  Letter. 
i98My(i9)'20   Letter;    Millions    17.     i^o  Country.     200  Nation    4.     2015 
(2i)'20  Letter.    202S(2i)'2O  Letter;  Open  Shop  Federation  Projected; 
What  the  Clevclorrd  Press  Says  About  the  Proposed  National  Federation 
of  Existing  Open  Shop  Associations;  0(22) '20  Letter;  N(i)'20  Letter; 
Millions  17;  Indorse  American  Plan  League  3;  D(ii)'20  Special  Letter. 


CHAPTER  XV 
SUMMARY  AND  CONCLUSIONS 

From  the  associations  previously  discussed  in  detail  and 
those  noted  incidentally,  we  may  draw  certain  conclusions 
applicable  to  a  great  number  of  associations,  if  not  to  all 
of  them.  The  points  will  be  taken  up  in  somewhat  the  same 
order  that  they  were  taken  up  in  case  of  the  individual  asso- 
ciations. 

Names. —  The  organizations  of  employers  are  generally 
called  associations,  although  there  are  prominent  exceptions, 
such  as  the  United  Typothetse  of  America,  the  National 
Civic  Federation,  the  National  Industrial  Council,  and  the 
National  Industrial  Conference  Board.  There  is  a  varia- 
tion of  the  term  association,  in  the  names  of  such  asso- 
ciations as  the  Associated  Employers  of  Illinois,  the  Asso- 
ciated Employers  of  Missouri,  and  the  Associated  Em- 
ployers of  Indianapolis.  Formerly,  many  organizations 
were  called  alliances  and  leagues,  but  as  most  of  the  citi- 
zens' alliances  have  become  defunct,  the  former  name  is 
now  little  used.  Thus,  the  word  association  in  the  title 
of  an  organization,  or  its  absence,  is  not  a  sure  test  as  to 
whether  the  organization  is  an  employers'  association,  for 
there  are  organizations  that  are  not  employers'  associations 
which  have  "association"  as  part  of  their  titles  —  a  few 
labor  unions  furnish  instances  —  just  as  there  are  em- 
ployers' associations  that  do  not  use  the  word  association 
in  their  names. 

Territory. —  The    territory   covered    by    an    association 

545 


546        Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

varies  from  the  North  American  Continent  to  a  small  town 
or  part  of  a  city.  There  are  many  factors  which  deter- 
mine the  territory  covered  by  an  association.  Among  these 
are  the  character  of  the  trade  or  industry,  such  as  the 
amount  of  capital  required,  whether  skilled  workers  are 
needed  or  not,  and  whether  the  products  can  easily  be 
transported.  An  association  tends  to  conform  roughly  to 
the  competitive  area  of  the  trade  or  industry,  and  to  cor- 
respond somewhat  to  the  trade  or  industrial  lines  of  organi- 
zation by  the  unions  with  which  it  deals  or  which  it  opposes. 
The  early  associations  were  confined  to  a  city,  but  with  the 
widening  of  the  market,  they  extended  their  territory  to 
cover  the  cities  in  which  the  products  of  the  trade  or  in- 
dustry were  produced.  Specialization  of  trades  has  caused 
trade  associations  to  cover  the  specialized  field,  as  in  the 
building  industry,  where  there  are  specialized  trade  asso- 
ciations affiliated  with  a  general  association. 

The  Number  of  Members  in  an  Association  varies 
widely  and  of  itself  does  not  furnish  an  accurate  indication 
of  the  strength  of  the  association.  For  instance,  the  Na- 
tional Erectors'  Association  is  a  very  powerful  association, 
yet  it  has  only  about  50  members,  while  some  of  the  trade 
associations  have  thousands  of  members  but  are  of  much 
less  importance  in  industrial  relations.  Not  a  few  so-called 
trusts  are  members  of  associations.  The  International 
Harvester  Company,  the  General  Electric  Company,  the 
Rumely  Company,  the  Otis  Elevator  Company,  the  Na- 
tional Cash  Register  Company,  many  of  the  subsidiaries  of 
the  United  States  Steel  Corporation,  and  other  so-called 
trusts  are  to  be  found  in  the  membership  lists  of  associa- 
tions. Membership  figures  given  out  by  the  associations 
are  sometimes  greatly  exaggerated,  and  must  be  taken  only 
as  a  very  inaccurate  statement  of  the  maximum  number 
during  prosperous  periods.  The  number  of  members 
varies  greatly  with  prosperity  and  strikes  and  with  busi- 


Summary  and  Conclusions  547 

ness  depressions,  being  large  in  the  former,  and  small  rela- 
tively in  the  latter.  A  better  index  to  the  strength  of  an 
association  is  the  proportion  of  all  firms  eligible  to  mem- 
bership to  those  who  are  members.  But  the  best  indica- 
tion of  strength  of  an  association  in  any  trade  or  industry 
is  the  proportion  of  all  the  products  of  that  trade  or  in- 
dustry manufactured  by  members  of  the  association.  But 
none  of  the  tests  can  accurately  indicate  the  comparative 
strength  of  two  associations  in  different  fields.  All  of  these 
figures  are  helpful,  but  must  be  supplemented  by  an  evalua- 
tion of  the  activities  of  the  association  before  its  actual 
strength  can  be  determined. 

The  Qualifications  for  Membership  in  an  association 
depend  to  a  great  extent  upon  the  actual  purposes  of  the 
organization.  Belligerent  associations  of  a  propaganda 
character  seem  to  be  willing  to  admit  to  membership  nearly 
any  person  or  concern  that  concurs  in  their  principles ;  usu- 
ally they  provide  for  such  members  by  creating  a  class  of 
members  called  associate  or  contributory  members.  Medi- 
atory associations  usually  open  their  membership  to  any- 
one who  wishes  to  join.  But  the  belligerent  associations 
that  combat  strikes  limit  their  membership  to  concerns  that 
so  conduct  themselves  as  not  to  be  troubled  with  strikes  a 
greater  part  of  the  time.  The  negotiatory  associations 
likewise  do  not  want  in  their  membership  the  concerns 
that  are  continually  having  trouble  with  their  workmen. 
Yet  it  is  rare  that  these  qualifications  are  stated  in  the  con- 
stitutions of  the  associations.  The  stated  qualifications  are 
usually  ones  that  limit  membership  to  the  trade  or  industr}'^ 
of  the  association,  or  to  employers  who  employ  certain 
classes  of  workmen.  In  such  associations  as  the  League 
for  Industrial  Rights  such  qualifications  are  not  possible; 
the  membership  is  open  generally  to  those  who  are  op- 
posed to  the  use  of  the  boycott  in  labor  matters,  or  more 
recently,  who  believe  in  the  open  shop.     The  active  mem- 


548         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

bership  in  this  Association  is  limited  in  practice  to  employ- 
ers, and  employers'  associations. 

The  Objects  of  the  Associations  are  frequently  stated 
in  such  general  terms  that  their  specific  purpose  in  labor 
matters  is  not  indicated.  Especially  is  this  true  in  the  case 
of  associations  that  deal  with  a  number  of  other  matters 
than  labor  questions.  The  National  Civic  Federation  hks  a 
very  indefinite  statement  of  objects  so  far  as  the  labor  ques- 
tion is  concerned.  There  is  nothing  in  the  stated  objects  of 
the  National  Association  of  Box  Manufacturers  to  indicate 
that  it  would  oppose  labor  legislation.  In  contrast  to  such 
associations,  the  League  for  Industrial  Rights,  for  instance, 
has  definite  objects.  Thus  the  stated  objects  of  the  asso- 
ciations are  not  always  a  key  to  their  actual  purposes  and 
activities.  The  explanation  for  this  lies  largely  in  the  wide 
scope  of  activities  that  the  association  undertakes  or  might 
wish  to  undertake.  General  terms  can  be  interpreted  to 
include  all  the  various  purposes  and  thus  save  a  long 
enumeration. 

This  lack  of  definiteness  in  statements  of  purposes  is 
usually  supplied  by  either  declarations  of  principles  or 
policy,  adopted  formally  by  the  association  or  set  forth  by 
its  leaders.  The  formal  declarations  of  principles  are  usu*- 
ally  belligerent  in  nature  although  adopted  by  an  associa- 
tion that  may  or  may  not  be  predominantly  belligerent. 
For  instance,  the  declaration  of  principles  of  the  Stove 
Founders'  National  Defense  Association  is  belligerent  in 
tone,  yet  the  Association  is  negotiatory.  When  an  asso- 
ciation feels  compelled  to  state  its  position  definitely,  there 
is  usually  a  conflict  impending  between  it  and  a  labor 
union.  The  association  accordingly  is  in  a  belligerent  tem- 
per. If  the  leaders,  in  attempting  to  explain  the  purposes 
of  their  association,  make  statements  as  to  its  principles  or 
policy,  the  declarations  may  be  belligerent,  negotiatory  or 
mediatory.     It  is  to  such  statements  of  the  leaders  of  the 


Summary  and  Conclusions  549 

National  Civic  Federation  that  one  must  go  in  order  to 
find  out  its  purpose.  Nor  is  the  full  extent  of  the  belliger- 
ency of  an  association  always  expressed  in  a  formal  declara- 
tion of  principles;  the  utterances  of  its  leaders  must  also  be 
considered.  The  National  Association  of  Manufacturers 
furnishes  an  excellent  illustration  of  such  a  situation. 

The  Government  of  the  Associations,  no  matter  under 
what  guise,  is  in  the  hands,  of  a  few  leaders.  The  govern- 
ment of  associations  is  much  like  that  of  corporations,  dom- 
inated by  a  few  who  choose  what  may  be  styled  the  board 
of  directors,  who,  in  turn,  select  the  executive  head  under 
various  titles.  Some  associations  retain  a  greater  degree  of 
democracy  than  others  by  the  use  of  the  referendum  on 
certain  measures.  It  is  characteristically  the  belief  of 
association  leaders  that  democracy  does  not  conduce  to 
efficiency. 

The  Funds  of  Associations  are  derived  in  the  main 
from  dues.  The  belligerent  associations  that  combat 
strikes  usually  levy  an  assessment  based  on  the  mechanical 
payroll,  although  the  National  Erectors'  Association  is  an 
exception,  since  its  basis  for  assessment  is  the  tonnage 
produced  and  erected.  The  building-industry  associations, 
although  negotiatory,  levy  on  the  amount  of  money  called 
for  in  the  contracts  of  their  members,  since  they  frequently 
combat  strikes  and  need  considerable  money  for  this  pur- 
pose. All  associations,  whether  belligerent  or  negotiatory, 
that  have  occasion  to  combat  strikes,  levy  assessments  on 
some  such  bases  as  the  foregoing.  The  League  for  Indus- 
trial Rights  also  levies  assessments,  gince  its  expenditures  at 
times  may  become  heavier  than  ordinary.  The  propa- 
ganda associations  usually  have  yearly  dues;  for  instance, 
the  annual  dues  of  a  member  of  the  National  Association 
of  Manufacturers  is  $50.  However,  the  National  Civic 
Federation  levies  no  fixed  dues  or  assessments.  This  Fed- 
eration follovv^s  the  rule  for  mediatory  associations  and  de- 


550        Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

pends  upon  voluntary  contributions  of  persons  who  are  in- 
terested in  the  particular  activity  that  the  association  is 
performing. 

Obligations. —  Associations  that  have  to  contend  with 
strikes,  usually  bind  their  members  to  the  organization  in 
a  pecuniary  way,  as  well  as  by  a  pledge  or  agreement.  The 
older  method  was  to  exact  bonds  from  all  members,  and  a 
failure  to  comply  with  the  rules,  regulations  and  orders  of 
the  association  caused  the  bond  to  be  forfeited  to  the  asso- 
ciation. Undated  notes  of  members  were  sometimes  used. 
The  newer  method  is  to  assess  dues  so  large  as  to  provide 
for  a  reserve  fund.  Members  who  are  expelled  from  the 
association  lose  all  their  rights  in  this  fund.  Since,  in  a 
number  of  cases,  the  average  amount  in  the  fund  for  each 
member  is  several  thousand  dollars,  the  member  is  bound  by 
the  installment  deposits  that  he  has  made  to  it. 

Activities. —  The  activities  of  the  various  associations 
are  so  varied  that  no  summarization  can  do  them  justice. 
They  may,  of  course,  be  grouped  roughly  into  belligerent, 
negotiatory  and  mediatory  activities.  The  belligerent  asso- 
ciation may  fight  the  union  in  actual  battles  with  machine 
guns;  it  may  oppose  the  union  in  legislative  and  political 
matters;  it  may  combat  all  union  strikes;  it  may  carry  on 
a  continual  propaganda  against  the  union  in  every  particu- 
lar or  only  against  certain  practices  of  the  union;  it  may 
effectively  blacklist  all  union  members  by  means  of  a  card- 
index  system ;  it  may  attempt  to  destroy  all  the  sentimental 
appeal  in  the  betterment  activities  of  the  union  by  doing 
welfare  work;  or  it  may  combine  a  few  or  all  of  these 
activities  in  its  general  campaign  against  the  union.  The 
secret-service  system  used  by  belligerent  associations  and 
condemned  so  strongly  by  the  unions  is  characteristic  of 
two  warring  forces,  as  are  most  of  the  other  activities  when- 
ever the  contest  becomes  fierce.  The  negotiatory  asso- 
ciation, while  it  remains  such  and  does  not  combat  strikes, 


Summary  and  Conclusions  551 

has  fewer  activities  than  a  belligerent  association.  The 
officials  of  a  negotiatory  association,  however,  may  be  just 
as  busy  as  those  of  a  belligerent  association.  The  former 
officials  may  be  continually  called  into  conference  or  be  be- 
fore arbitration  boards  in  an  attempt  to  avert  strikes  or 
settle  other  controversies,  such  as  jurisdictional  disputes. 
But  the  activities  of  mediatory  associations  may  be  as 
few  as  those  of  a  citizens'  committee  gathered  together  to 
prevent  a  strike,  or  as  extensive  as  those  of  the  National 
Civic  Federation,  In  the  former  case,  the  union  and  the 
association  may  be  called  upon  to  make  statements  each  of 
his  side  of  the  case,  and  the  committee  may  pass  upon  the 
justness  of  these  claims  and  publish  its  conclusions,  and  then 
disband.  In  the  case  of  the  National  Civic  Federation,  as 
we  have  seen,  the  activities  varied  from  actual  mediation  to 
a  propaganda  against  socialism. 

The  Interrelations  of  the  associations  are  so  complex 
that  in  no  case  were  all  the  various  interrelations  of  an 
association  presented  in  the  foregoing  pages.  Among  the 
various  ways  by  which  one  association  may  be  related  to 
another  are  the  following  means  and  methods:  (i)  by 
direct  affiliation,  (2)  by  affiliation  with  another  associa- 
tion directly  affiliated  to  a  third  association  —  such  as  a 
local  association  affiliated  with  a  state  association  which  is 
affiliated  to  a  national  association,  (3)  through  conference 
boards,  (4)  by  a  number  of  officers  in  common,  (5)  by  a 
number  of  members  in  common,  (6)  through  joint  com- 
mittees, (7)  through  contributions,  (8)  through  addresses 
of  the  leader  of  one  association  before  meetings  of  another, 
(9)  through  corresp>ondence  giving  information  and  ad- 
vice or  other  assistance,  ( 10)  through  recognition  of  a  com- 
mon cause  such  as  in  opposing  labor  legislation  or  the  elec- 
tion of  certain  public  officials.  (11)  through  endorsement 
of  one  association  or  some  of  its  activities  by  another,  (12) 
by  distributing  literature  published  by  another  association. 


552         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

(13)  through  visiting  commissions,  and  (14)  by  informal 
conferences. 

Conclusions. —  In  the  foregoing  pages,  inferences  and 
conclusions  have  been  drawn,  and  we  shall  now  bring  to- 
gether a  number  of  these,  in  order  to  show  their  relation 
to  the  conflict  generally.  These  conclusions  are,  of  course, 
subject  to  modification  with  changes  in  the  conflict. 

There  is  much  that  is  confidential  or  secret  about  associa- 
tions. In  the  conflict,  one  must  not  let  one's  opponent  know 
in  advance  one's  plans  or  proposed  methods,  nor  one's  real 
fighting  strength,  unless  that  is  so  great  as  to  intimidate 
one's  opponent.  For  this  reason,  much  of  the  work  of  the 
associations  is  conducted  secretly.  In  some  cases,  lists  of 
members  are  not  made  public  because  some  of  the  employ- 
ers fear  that  the  union  may  single  them  out  and  punish 
them.  It  also  permits  an  employer  apparently  to  be 
friendly  to  the  union,  because  he  dares  not  fight  it  openly, 
yet  to  fight  it  secretly.  Then  there  are  doubtful  practices 
which  the  association  engaging  in  them,  does  not  wish  to 
be  made  public.     Illegal  activities  are  of  the  latter  sort. 

As  suggested  above,  a  study  of  the  various  types  shows 
that  the  associations  have  not  yet  reached  a  concensus  of 
opinion  on  the  many  issues  involved,  nor  have  they  accepted 
a  common  purpose  that  will  enable  all  of  them  to  work  to- 
gether for  the  accomplishment  of  that  purpose.  As  to 
methods  of  accomplishing  their  purposes,  so  far  apart  are 
some  of  the  associations  that  they  are  as  hostile  to  one 
another  as  are  the  belligerent  associations  to  the  unions. 
If  there  be  any  one  common  purpose  among  the  associa- 
tions, it  is  the  desire  to  have  industrial  peace  and  maintain 
the  present  system  of  private  property,  but  the  disagree- 
ment as  to  how  that  shall  best  be  done  —  the  various  forms 
and  methods  —  makes  a  study  of  the  various  types  of  asso- 
ciations necessary  to  an  understanding  of  the  vital  features 
of  the  problem. 


Summary  and  Conclusions  553 

We  have  noted  that  there  is  a  confusion  of  membership 
in  associations, —  that  one  firm  will  have  representation  in 
the  membership  of  two  associations  with  practically  oppos- 
ing theories  or  principles.  The  firm  that  does  this  finds  it 
is  advisable  to  govern  itself  largely  by  the  conditions  that 
dominate  in  the  various  trades  that  it  covers,  in  one  trade 
to  deal  with  the  union,  and  in  another  to  fight  the  unions, 
the  difference  may  lie  in  the  character  of  the  two  unions. 
It  may  lie  rather  in  the  character  of  the  trade  itself,  whether 
it  is  monopolistic,  or  the  time  element  very  important; 
highly  skilled  workers  may  be  required  in  one  trade  but  not 
in  another.  Of  course,  that  employer's  attitude  cannot  be 
explained  on  the  basis  of  association  theories,  or  principles, 
—  his  only  concern  is  the  profits,  not  the  abstract  right  to 
run  his  business  without  outside  interference.  He  does  not 
object  very  strenuously  to  the  outside  interference,  if  it 
can  be  made  to  pay.  As  we  have  seen,  the  underlying 
philosophy  of  the  associations  and  employers,  whether 
belligerent,  negotiatory  or  mediatory,  is  fundamentally  the 
same;  for  an  excellent  illustration  of  this,  we  need  take 
only  the  mediatory  National  Civic  Federation  and  the 
belligerent  National  Association  of  Manufacturers,  both 
of  which  hold  to  a  "  natural-rights  "  philosophy  of  prop- 
erty rights  and  all  that  it  implies.  If  this  is  the  case  then, 
one  may  properly  ask  why  are  some  associations  negotia- 
tory or  mediatory  while  others  are  belligerent? 

Associations  are  negotiatory  wherever  the  unions  hold 
the  strategic  position  or  are  of  strategic  advantage  to  the 
employer.  The  newspapers  are  negotiatory  largely  because 
the  unions  occupy  a  strategic  position ;  the  newspaper  must 
appear  regularly  and  in  a  very  short  time,  and  this  appear- 
ance depends  upon  workmen  who  are  skilled  and  accord- 
ingly well  organized.  Book  publishers  are  usually  belliger- 
ent, since  the  time  element  is  not  so  important.  There  are 
book  and  job  publishers  who  are  negotiatory  because  they 


554         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

wish  to  use  the  union  label  in  their  business,  upon  such  mat- 
ters as  campaign  material  or  political  documents.  It  is 
the  value  of  the  union  label  upon  working  garments  that 
causes  the  Union-Made  Garment  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion to  be  negotiatory.  The  union  may  often  be  used  to 
further  the  interests  of  the  employer  in  lessening  or  pre- 
venting competition.  Combination  associations  are  usu- 
ally negotiatory,  that  is,  associations  which  combine  to  fix 
prices,  often  find  the  union  of  service  in  maintaining  those 
prices  by  keeping  down  the  competition  of  outsiders.  This 
seems  to  be  the  case  with  the  negotiatory  associations  in 
the  coal  industry,  the  building  industry,  and  the  stove  in- 
dustry, and  perhaps  in  the  clothing  industry.  The  com- 
petitive area  often  varies  greatly  in  an  industry,  such  as  the 
printing  industry.  The  newspapers  are  not  nationally  com- 
petitive to  any  considerable  degree,  while  the  book  pub- 
lishing business  is  highly  so.  Hence  we  find  both  belliger- 
ent and  negotiatory  associations  in  the  same  industry. 
The  newspapers  seem  to  prefer  individual  agreements 
(local),  while  such  book  publishers  as  deal  with  the  unions, 
apparently  prefer  national  agreements.  Wherever  unions 
are  powerful  or  made  up  of  highly  skilled  workers,  there 
is  a  tendency  for  monopoly  when  regulated  to  combine  with 
the  unions  to  resist  further  regulation.  Graft  is  more  prev- 
alent among  negotiatory  associations  than  belligerent  ones. 
The  lockout  is  predominantly  used  by  the  negotiatory  asso- 
ciations; in  fact,  it  forms  one  of  their  most  powerful 
weapons. 

Evolution  in  Types  and  Activities. —  The  association 
movement  is  evolving  as  the  conditions  of  the  conflict 
change.  Old  associations  are  changing  in  form  and 
taking  on  new  functions.  New  associations  are  being 
formed  to  perform  special  functions  as  the  need  arises  for 
such.  Failure  to  secure  the  object  desired  in  the  indus- 
trial field  has  led  associations  to  undertake  activities   in 


Summary  and  Conclusions  555 

other  fields,  or  their  success  in  the  industrial  field  has  caused 
the  unions  to  attempt  other  activities  that  the  associations 
have  needed  to  meet.  Strikes  have  led  to  litigation  largely 
by  the  employer,  and  the  success  of  the  employers  in  the 
courts  has  caused  the  unions  to  seek  legislation  to  counteract 
such  successes.  This  has  caused  the  associations  to  take  up 
legislative  activities,  and  the  conflict  there  has  resulted  in 
the  rival  forces  going  into  politics.  Litigation  over  labor 
matters  is  itself  old,  as  is  legislative  or  political  activity 
on  the  part  of  employers  as  individuals.  But  the  conduct 
of  such  activities  has  never  before  been  carried  on  system- 
atically by  formal  and  permanent  associations  of  employ- 
ers. Litigation  is  almost  the  usual  outcome  of  serious  busi- 
ness trouble,  since  the  business  man  tends  to  seek  a  lawyer 
for  advice  in  such  difficulties.  To  avoid  litigation,  some 
negotiatory  associations  do  not  permit  a  lawyer  to  have 
any  part  in  the  attempt  at  negotiation  or  arbitration. 
Belligerent  associations,  on  the  other  hand,  condemn  law- 
yers for  too  many  laws,  and  for  vague,  uncertain  and  re- 
strictive ones.  The  unions  have  also  forced  the  associa- 
tions into  the  field  of  welfare  work.  The  associations  have 
taken  up  this  work  in  order  to  offset  the  great  appeal  of 
public  sentiment  for  the  unions  on  the  ground  that  they  are 
working  to  better  the  conditions  of  laborers. 

Relation  of  Prosperity  to  Activities. — Associations  tend 
to  become  strong  during  labor  troubles  or  when  there  is 
threatened  labor  legislation,  or  political  contests  involving 
such  legislation.  Likewise,  they  tend  to  disintegrate  dur- 
ing periods  of  peace.  Or  stated  in  other  terms,  associa- 
tions flourish  in  periods  of  prosperity  when  there  is  great 
business  activity  and  labor  is  scarce,  and  languish  in  periods 
of  depression  when  business  is  at  a  low  ebb  and  the  labor 
supply  plentiful  or  the  market  overstocked. 

Outlook  for  Solution. —  As  to  a  solution  of  the  conflict, 
from  a  study  of  the  leading  and  typical  associations  of  em- 


556         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

ployers  in  the  various  industries  in  the  United  States,  we 
must  conclude  that  no  immediate  or  prospective  solution  is 
evident.  Strong  rival  organizations  threaten  war,  rather 
than  peace.  The  conflict  has  widened  to  the  nation  in  many 
industries,  and  in  some  has  become  international.  Asso- 
ciations now  co-operate  across  the  seas.  The  changing 
character  of  the  conflict  is  reflected  in  the  changes  in  the 
character  and  activities  of  the  associations.  The  change  in 
the  National  Metal  Trades  Association,  in  the  National 
Founders'  Association,  and  the  National  Erectors'  Associa- 
tion from  negotiatory  associations  to  belligerent  ones  is 
only  partly  indicative  of  the  general  evolution.  The  same 
may  be  said  of  the  development  of  the  National  Associa- 
tion of  Manufacturers  into  a  belligerent  organization  from 
a  body  that  dealt  with  labor  matters  only  in  an  indirect 
manner.  No  one  association  can  be  said  to  epitomize  the 
general  tendencies  of  the  association  movement.  Even  the 
mediatory  associations  reflect  the  growing  belligerency. 
For  instance,  the  National  Civic  Federation  set  as  its  task 
the  settling  and  preventing  of  strikes  by  negotiation  and 
voluntary  arbitration,  but  its  lack  of  success  in  recent  years 
has  caused  it  to  widen  its  activities  to  many  fields,  such  as 
legislation  and  welfare  work. 

Confusion  of  Issues. —  As  in  every  serious  conflict, 
much  confusion  of  issues  prevails.  There  is,  for  instance, 
no  agreement  as  to  the  real  issues  that  caused  a  break  be- 
tween unions  and  associations  in  the  instances  where 
relations  have  been  broken  off.  Each  side  makes  charges 
and  counter-charges,  claims  and  counter-claims.  The  is- 
sues are  clouded  by  the  "  educational  literature  "  of  the  op- 
posing sides.  For  instance,  the  associations  contend  that 
the  unions  are  making  war  upon  nonunion  labor  and  only 
incidentally  upon  the  employer.  The  unions  denounce  the 
open-shop  movement  as  an  attempt  to  crush  the  unions. 
There  is  confusion  over  the  merits  of  various  systems  of 


Summary  and  Conclusions  557 

wage  payments,  over  the  real  purpose  of  the  "  eight-hour 
day,"  in  fact,  over  every  important  point  in  the  whole  con- 
troversy. 

The  Issue  of  "  Unionism." —  None  of  these  issues 
seems  to  be  more  confused  than  the  question  of  "  union- 
ism." There  is  much  discussion  about  "  good  unionism  " 
and  "  bad  unionism,"  or  the  "  good  elements  in  unionism  " 
versus  the  "  bad  elements."  Most  employers  say  they  "  do 
not  object  any  more  to  the  organization  of  workers  in  labor 
unions  than  to  the  organization  of  manufacturers  in  manu- 
facturers' associations  or  bankers  in  bankers'  associations," 
but  that  they  "  are  opposed  to  certain  activities  of  labor 
unions  that  to  the  objector  seem  to  be  based  neither  on 
sound  economics  nor  on  sound  social  philosophy  but  on 
coercion  and  force."  *  Union  leaders,  on  the  other  hand, 
attempt  almost  entirely  to  justify  "  unionism  "  on  an  ideal- 
istic basis.  But  "  unionism  "  as  an  ideal  and  as  a  reality 
are  not  identical.  The  unions,  while  pleading  not  guilty 
to  the  charges  of  coercion  and  force  and  other  evil  prac- 
tices, apparently  cannot  place  their  activities  on  a  "  sound 
economic  basis  "  or  make  their  coercive  and  unlawful  ac- 
tions a  constituent  part  of  a  "  sound  social  philosophy." 
True,  they  have  attempted  to  build  up  a  system  of 
economics  and  a  social  philosophy  of  their  own,  but  neither 
of  these  has  become  the  accepted  doctrine  of  the  day. 

Again,  we  meet  confusion  in  regard  to  the  term,  as  well 
as  the  application  of  "  collective  bargaining."  Prominent 
association  officials  have  contended  that  bargaining  by 
union  officials  is  not  collective  bargaining,  but  delegated 
bargaining.  ''  Collective  bargaining "  is  undoubtedly  the 
heart  of  present-day  "  unionism."  Aside  from  a  few  cases 
other  than  conspiracies  between  employers  and  unions  to 

*  The  failure  to  give  a  reference  in  this  case  is  not  an  oversight,  nor 
is  the  quotation  an  imaginary  one,  or  by  an  insignificant  person  in 
the  association  movement. 


558         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

monopolize  trades  and  industries  and  so  control  prices 
to  the  detriment  of  the  consumers,  "  collective  bargain- 
ing "  cannot  take  place  except  through  "  coercion  and 
force."  In  a  competitive  field,  it  is  the  exceptional  em- 
ployer *  who  will  deal  with  union  officials  unless  he  is 
forced  to  do  so  through  threats  of  a  strike  if  not  through 
an  actual  strike,  or  other  coercive  tactics.  In  a  field,  how- 
ever, where  the  union  is  of  great  value  to  the  employer 
in  aiding  him  to  control  trade  conditions,  and  in  this 
manner,  add  to  his  profits,  he  voluntarily  deals  with  the 
union  as  a  means  to  that  end.  None  of  these  conditions 
seems  to  be  desirable  or  permanent  for  all  industries. 

The  Conflict  Should  Be  Controlled.—  It  is  then  fairly 
evident  that  some  steps  must  be  taken  to  place  the  conflict 
under  control,  whether  that  shall  be  done  by  one  of  the 
rival  groups,  or  by  the  people  acting  through  their  govern- 
ment. Industrial  and  financial  developments  indicate  that 
the  conflict  will  be  conducted  on  a  continually  enlarging 
scale,  intermittently  in  all  probability  it  seems,  and  prob- 
ably with  increasing  intensity.  If  the  organizations  of 
workmen  should  ultimately  control,  there  would  be,  in  time, 
a  new  order  of  society.  If  the  organizations  of  employers 
should  become  strong  enough  to  control  unionism,  the  prob- 
lem would  probably  be  shifted  largely  to  the  political  arena, 
but  whether  it  would  be  a  more  peaceful  one,  is  not  an 
easy  matter  to  reason  out  by  an  analysis  of  present  indi- 
cations. In  such  an  event,  however,  the  problem  of  gov- 
ernmental control  would  become  more  acute,  and  at  a 
very  time  it  would  seem  when  people  might  fear  even 
more  than  now  any  extension  of  governmental  control  as 
disastrous. 

Compulsory  Arbitration  is  undoubtedly  the  most  dis- 

*  For  an  explanation  why  the  employer  does  not  wish  to  deal  with 
union  officials,  see  Introduction,  under  Handicaps  of  the  Independent 
Employer. 


Summary  and  Conclusions  559 

cussed  method  of  governmental  control  of  the  conflict. 
Compulsory  arbitration  is  being  tried  out  to-day  by 
the  state  of  Kansas  under  the  name  of  an  industrial 
court.  The  growth  of  compulsory  arbitration  will  un- 
questionably throw  the  conflict  still  more  into  the  political 
arena.  Compulsory  arbitration  will  undoubtedly  grow  un- 
less checked  by  a  long  period  of  depression  and  continued 
unemployment  of  a  large  number  of  workers.  When  un- 
employment is  great,  the  number  and  magnitude  of  strikes 
are  greatly  lessened,  and  the  conflict  seems  to  be  solved. 
The  decrees  of  an  industrial  court  are  easily  enforced  when 
men  are  plentiful  and  jobs  are  scarce. 

During  periods  of  inflation  and  prosperity,  however, 
strikes  and  other  labor  troubles  will  again  become  frequent, 
if  we  may  judge  the  future  on  the  basis  of  the  past.  That 
is,  they  will  become  frequent  unless  restrained  by  the  gov- 
ernment. But  when  the  demand  for  labor  is  great  and 
the  supply  inadequate,  the  workers  can  practice  "  striking 
on  the  job,"  or  can  and  will  leave,  one  by  one,  their  old 
jobs  that  are  unsatisfactory  for  new  and  better  jobs.  They 
may  "  strike  on  the  job  "  either  by  loafing  on  the  job  in 
some  manner,  or  practice  sabotage  in  some  of  its  insidious 
forms.  Under  such  conditions,  the  decrees  of  an  industrial 
court  are  difficult  to  enforce. 

All  of  this  is  merely  saying  in  other  words  that  during 
periods  of  great  prosperity  and  large  profits,  the  workers 
come  in  time  to  hold  the  strategic  position,  but  ere  they 
can  consolidate  and  confirm  their  gains,  a  depression  comes 
to  break  up  their  forces.  Alternate  periods  of  great  pros- 
perity and  deep  depressions  are  prolific  breeders  of  social 
unrest.  Clearly,  then,  a  stabilization  of  financial  and  in- 
dustrial conditions  during  seasonal  periods,  and  especially 
over  long  periods  of  time,  will  do  much  to  lessen  the  in- 
tensity of  the  conflict ;  the  contrary  to  accentuate  it.  Such 
a  stabilization  would  do  much  to  remove  the  real  causes 


560         Employers'  Associations  in  the  United  States 

for  unrest.  With  the  growing  financial  control  of  in- 
dustry, the  problem  is  becoming  to  a  greater  extent  one  to 
perplex  the  financiers  more  and  more.  Although  aug- 
mented in  social  significance,  the  labor  problem  is  increas- 
ingly taking  on  a  different  aspect  because  of  its  financial 
involvements.  It  must  be  met  by  the  financiers  or  it  will 
wreck  the  present  economic  system. 


INDEX  TO   ASSOCIATIONS 
and  Fostered   Corporations 


Allied  Commercial  and  Industrial 
Organizations  of  Denver,  363 

Allied  Iron  Associations  of  New 
York  City,  140 

American  Anti-Boycott  Associa- 
tion, 24,  92,  129,  334,  335,  366. 
See  League  for  Industrial  Rights 

American  Association  of  Photo- 
Engravers,  276 

American  Cotton  Manufacturers' 
Association,  493 

American  Electric  Railway  Asso- 
ciation, 493 

American  Erectors'  Association, 
142 

American  Federation  of  Employ- 
ers, 130 

American  Federation  of  Stock- 
holders, 142 

American  Foundrymen's  Associa- 
tion, 83 

American  Hardware  Manufac- 
turers' Association,  371,  493 

American  Institute  of  Commerce, 
301 

American  Malleable  Castings 
Association,  493 

American  Newspaper  Publishers* 
Association,  31,  33,  207-225,  226, 
26s,  273,  277,  281,  282,  283,  404. 
409,  442 

American  Paper  and  Pulp  Asso- 
ciation, 371,  493 

American  Photo-Engravers'  Asso- 
ciation, 282 

American  Pig  Iron  Association, 
493 

American  Plan  Educational  Ex- 
change, 499 

American  Service  League,  540 


561 


American  Steamship  Association, 
369 

Associate  Department,  Boston 
(Master  Printers),  280 

Associated  American  Employers, 
499 

Associated  Brewers  of  New  York 
City,  405 

Associated  Builders  of  Chicago, 
197 

Associated  Building  Contractors 
of  Illinois,  198 

Associated  Employers  before  the 
Commission  on  Industrial  Re- 
lations, Joint  Committee  of,  142 

Associated  Employers  of  Illinois, 
198.  278,  545 

Associated  Employers  of  Indian- 
apolis, 33,  499-544,  545 

Associated  Employers  of  Missouri, 
545 

Associated  General  Contractors  of 
America,  198 

Associated  Industries  of  Massa- 
chusetts, 371,  494 

Associated  Industries  of  New 
York  State,  494 

Associated  Manufacturers  and 
Merchants  of  New  York  State, 

371 
Associated  Plumbers'  Association 

of  the  City  of  New  York,  175 
Association  of  Building  Investors, 

175 
Association     of     Clothiers,     New 

York  City,  442 
Association    of    Master    Painters 

and   Decorators  of  the  City  of 

New  York,  175 


;62 


Index 


Association  of  Typothetae  Secre- 
taries, 279-80 

Association  of  Wire  Work  Manu- 
facturers of  the  City  of  New 
York,  175 

Baltimore  Builders'  Exchange,  363 
Ben  Franklin   Clubs  of  America, 

232,  249,  250,  279,  281 
Ben  Franklin  Mutual  Casualty  In- 
surance Company,  281 
Binders  and  Rulers'  Association, 

281 
Board  of  Trade,  Boston,  280 
Board     of     Trade,      Springfield, 

Mass.,  36s 
Book      and      Pamphlet      Binders, 

Boston,  280 
Boston  Typothetse,  253,  280 
Boston      Typothetae      Board      of 

Trade,  280 
Broad  Silk  Manufacturers'  Asso- 
ciation, 369 
Bronx  Tile  Dealers'  Association, 

175 
Brooklyn  Chamber  of  Commerce, 

471 
Buffalo  Apprentices'  Club,  279 
Builders  and  Traders'  Exchange, 

199 
Builders    at    Hammond,    Indiana, 

199 
Builders'  Association  of  Chicago, 

197 
Builders'     Exchange    League    of 

Pittsburgh,  175 
Builders'   Exchange   of   St.    Paul, 

199 
Builders'  Exchange  of  Worcester, 

364,  369 
Builders  of  Indianapolis,  198,  199 
Building  Construction  Employers' 

Association  of  Chicago,  32,  153, 

178-204 
Building  Construction  Employers' 

Association  of  Cincinnati,  199 
Building  Construction  Employers' 

Association  of  Pittsburgh,  Pen- 

na.,  198 
Building  Contractors'  Council,  183, 

184 


Building  Trades  Association  of 
New  York,  160 

Building  Trades  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation of  New  York  City,  32, 
104,  145,  153-177,  178,  405.  442. 
471 

Business  Men  of  San  Francisco, 
369 

Business  Men  of  Seattle,  365 

California  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion, 148 

Canadian  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion, 363,  365 

Carpenter  Contractors'  Associa- 
tion, 194,  19s,  197 

Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Indian- 
apolis, 517,  518,  528 

Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Los  An- 
geles, 363 

Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Okla- 
homa City,  369 

Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the 
U.  S.  A.,  93,  130,  260,  279,  372 

Chicago  Lighting  Fixture  Asso- 
ciation, 202 

Chicago  Mantel  and  Tile  Contrac- 
tors' Association,  197 

Chicago  Marble  Dealers'  Associa- 
tion, 197 

Chicago  Master  Plumbers'  Asso- 
ciation, 197 

Chicago  Master  Steamfitters' 
Association,  197 

Chicago  Metal  Trades  Association, 
1.05 

Chicago  Mosaic  and  Terrazzo 
Dealers'   Association,   197 

Chicago  Newspaper  Publishers' 
Association,  224 

Chicago  Typothetae,  232,  280 

Cincinnati  Chamber  of  Commerce, 
365 

Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of 
America,  24,  140,  219,  280,  366, 
.370,  374,  376,  538 

Citizens'  Industrial  Association  of 
Toledo,  Ohio,  366,  369 

Citizens'  Transportation  Commit- 
tee, 471 

Civic  Federation  of  Chicago,  397 


Index 


563 


Cloak,  Suit  and  Skirt  Manufac- 
turers' Protective  Association  of 
New  York  City,  371 

Clothiers'  National  Association, 
442 

Commercial  Club  of  Boston,  365 

Commercial  Club  of  Spokane,  363 

Commercial  Vehicle  Protective 
Association,  522,  538-539 

Composition  Floor  Manufacturers' 
Association,   197 

Composition  Roofers  and  Water- 
proofers'  Employers'  Associa- 
tion, 175 

Concrete  Contractors'  Associa- 
tion,   197 

Conference  Board  on  Industrial 
Education,   130 

Conference  Board  on  Safety  and 
Sanitation,  86,  92,  125,  129,  130, 
357,  372 

Conference  Board  on  Training  of 
Apprentices,  93,  130,  259,  281, 
372 

Connecticut  Manufacturers'  Asso- 
ciation, 142 

Contractors'  Association  of  San 
Francisco,  199 

Contractors  of  Alton,  Illinois,  199 

Contractors  of  Freeport,  Illinois, 
198 

Cut  Stone  Contractors'  Associa- 
tion, 173,  197 

Daily  Newspaper  Publishers' 
Association  of  Chicago,  281 

Dayton  Employers'  Association, 
131,  370 

Decorating  and  Painting  Con- 
tractors' Association,  197 

Decorative  Glass  Manufacturers' 
Association,  175 

Electrical  Contractors'  Associa- 
tion, 175,  197 

Electrical  Manufacturers*  Associa- 
tion, 493 

Electrotypers,  Boston,  280 

Elevator  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion,  175-6 

Employers     and     Manufacturers' 


Association  of  Seattle,  363 

Employers'  Association  (Lithog- 
raphers), 411 

Employers'  Association  of  Archi- 
tectural   Iron    Workers,    175 

Employers'  Association  of  Buf- 
falo, 369 

Employers'  Association  of  Chica- 
go, 280 

Employers'  Association  of  Cleve- 
land, 369 

Employers'  Association  of  Day- 
ton, 131,  370 

Employers'  Association  of  Den- 
ver, 539 

Employers'  Association  of  Detroit. 
281 

Employers'  Association  of  Hart- 
ford, Conn.,  363,  365 

Employers'  Association  of  Indian- 
apolis, 538 

Employers'  Association  of  Louis- 
ville, 281,  539 

Employers'  Association  of  Or- 
egon, 363 

Employers'  Association  of  Roof- 
ers and  Sheet  Metal  Workers 
of  Greater  New  York  and  Ad- 
jacent  Cities,   175 

Employers'  Association  of  Spring- 
field, Mass.,  362 

Employers'  Association  of  the 
District  of  Columbia,  369 

Employers'  Association  of  the  In- 
land Empire,  371 

Employers'  Federation  of  Belfast, 
Ireland,  130 

Employers'  Mutual  Liability  In- 
surance Company,  281 

Employers'  Mutual  Insurance 
Company,   538 

Employing  Lithographers  of 
America,   367 

Employing  Metallic  Furring  and 
Lathing   Association,    175 

Employing  Photo-Engravers'  As- 
sociation of  America,  282 

Employing  Plasterers'  Association, 
175 

Employing  Printers  of  America. 
236,  268,  515 


5^4 


Index 


Employing  Printers  of  San  Fran- 
cisco, 280 

Employing  Stone-Setters'  Asso- 
ciation, 175 

Evanston  -  Wilmette  -  Kenilworth 
Master  Plumbers'  Association, 
197 

Federation  of  American  Indus- 
tries, 476 

Federation  of  Employers'  Asso- 
ciations of  the  Pacific  Coast, 
366 

Federation  of  Master  Printers 
and  Allied  Trades  of  the  United 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and 
Ireland,  291 

Foundrymen's  Association  of  In- 
dianapolis, 539 

Franklin  Clubs,  232.  See  Ben 
Franklin  Clubs 

General  Managers'  Association,  22 
Get-Together  Club,  255 
Greater    New    York    Cut    Stone 
Contractors'  Association,  175 

Heating  and  Piping  Contractors, 
New  York  City,  175 

Hoisting  Association,  175 

House  Movers  and  Shorers'  Asso- 
ciation, 175 

Illinois  Fireproof  and  Manufac- 
turing Contractors'  Association, 
197 

Illinois  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion, 17,  93,  371,  494 

Illinois  Publishers'  Association, 
281 

Illinois  State  Association  of  Mas- 
ter House  Painters  and  Dec- 
orators, 202 

Indiana  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion, 370,  371 

Indianapolis  Employment  Ex- 
change, 505 

Industrial  Conference  of  the 
Canadian  Manufacturers'  Asso- 
ciation, 365 


Iowa  Manufacturers'  Association, 
442 

Institute  of  Makers  of  Explo- 
sives, 493 

Inter-Racial  Council  of  New 
York,  93,  366 

Inter-State  Tile  and  Mantel 
Dealers'  Association,  280 

International  Association  of  Em- 
ploying Electrotypers,  281,  282 

International  Association  of  Em- 
ploying Stereotypers  and  Elec- 
trotypers, 276 

International  Association  of  Man- 
ufacturing Photo-Engravers,  282 

International  Association  of  Mas- 
ter House  Painters  and  Dec- 
orators of  the  United  States 
and   Canada,  2b2,  371-2 

International  Association  of 
Photo-Engravers,  281 

Iron  League  Erectors'  Association 
of  New  York,  142,  166,  169,  471 

Iron  League  of  Chicago,  146,  195 

Iron  League  of  New  York,  145 

Iron  League  of  Philadelphia,  146 

Joint  Committee  of  Associated 
Employers  before  the  Commis- 
sion on  Industrial  Relations,  142 

Joint  Conference  Board  on  Indus- 
trial Relations,  93 

Kankakee  Builders*  Exchange,  199 
Kentucky      Manufacturers       and 
Shippers'  Association,  371 

Laundrymen's    National    Associa- 
tion of  America,  363 
League  for  Industrial  Rights,  24, 
33,  92,   129,   130,   133,   175,   334, 
366,  368,  449-474,  547,  549 
League  for  National  Unity,  442 
Lighting  Fixture  Employers,   197 
Lithographers'  Association  of  the 
United  States,  442 

Manufacturers  and  Business  Men 
of  Piqua,  Troy  and  Sidney, 
Ohio,   363 

Manufacturers  and  Employers' 
Association  of  San  Diego,  539 


Index 


56s 


Manufacturers'     Association     of 

Bridgeport,   Conn.,   362,  364 
Manufacturers'     Association     of 

Connecticut,  371 
Manufacturers'      Association     of 

Erie,  Penna.,  362 
Manufacturers'      Association      of 

Hartford,  Conn.,  365 
Manufacturers'      Association      of 

New  Jersey,  365,  370,  37} 
Manufacturers'      Association     of 

New    York,   363 
Manufacturers     of     Philadelphia, 

Manufacturing  Chemists'  Associa- 
tion of  the  United  States,  493 

Manufacturing  Woodworkers' 
Association,  175 

Master  Carpenters'  Association, 
170,  175 

Master  Carpenters'  Association, 
Local  No.  1,  175 

Master  Carpenters'  Association, 
New  York,  ?02 

Master  Builders'  Association,  175, 
176 

Mason  Material  Dealers'  Associa- 
tion of  New  Jersey,  363 

Master  Builders'  Association  of 
Boston,   369 

Master  Painters  and  Decorators' 
Association  of  Chicago,  202 

Master  Printers  and  Allied  Asso- 
ciation of  London,  England,  281 

Master  Printers  at  Birmingham, 
England,    281 

Master  Roofers'  Association  of 
Chicago,    197 

Master  Steamfitters'  Association, 
165 

Masters'  League  of  Cement 
Workers,    I75 

Master  Floor  Manufacturers  and 
Contractors'   Association,   197-8 

Material   Dealers,   194,   I95 

Merchants  and  Manufacturers' 
Association  of  Los  Angeles,  363, 

364 

Merchants     and  Manufacturers 

Association  of  Milwaukee,   37^ 

Merchants     and  Manufacturers' 


Association  of  San  Francisco, 
371 

Merchants'  Association  of  New 
York,  471 

Metal  Ceiling  Association  of  New 
York,    17s 

Metal  Doors  and  Windows  Asso- 
ciation,  175 

Metal  Manufacturers'  Association 
of  Philadelphia,  148,  363,  369 

Metal  Trades  and  Founders'  Asso- 
ciation of  Milwaukee,  93 

Michigan  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion, 36s,  371,  540 

Modern  Order  of  the  Bees,  305 

Mosaic     Employers'     Association, 

175 
Mutual  Liability  Insurance  Com- 
pany, 197 

National  Association  of  Box  Man- 
ufacturers, 548 

National  Association  of  Builders' 
Exchanges,  202 

National  Association  of  Building 
Trades  Employers,  175,  198 

National  Association  of  Carriage 
Builders,  370 

National  Association  of  Cotton 
Manufacturers,  493 

National  Association  of  Electro- 
typers,  279 

National  Association  of  Employ- 
ing Lithographers,  280,  281,  282 

National  Association  of  Finishers 
of  Cotton  Fabrics,  493 

National  Association  of  Manufac- 
turers and  Erectors  of  Struc- 
tural   Steel   and    Iron,    139 

National  Association  of  Manufac- 
turers, 17,  24,  33,  61,  92,  129, 
131,  142,  148,  219,  224,  255,  280, 
281,  291-385,  425,  436,  442.  443, 
470,  476,  493,  494,  537-8,  549,  553, 
556.  Open  Shop  Department, 
367-8.  See  also  National  Indus- 
trial Council. 

National  Association  of  Owners 
of    Railroad    Securities,    540 

National  Association  of  Sheet 
Metal  Contractors,  202 


566 


Index 


National  Association  of  Steel  and 
Copper-Plate   Engravers,   281 

National  Association  of  Stove 
Manufacturers,  22,  40,  59-60 

National  Association  of  Wool 
Manufacturers,  442,  493 

National  Automobile  Chamber  of 
Commerce,  493 

National  Boot  and  Shoe  Manufac- 
turers' Association,  493 

National  Brickmakers'  Associa- 
tion, 280 

National  Civic  Federation,  14,  31, 
33,  60,  93,  176,  224,  366,  367,  386- 
448,  545,  548,  549  551,  553,  556. 
New  York  and  New  Jersey 
Branch,   387 

National  Council  for  Industrial 
Defense,  92,  310,  324,  346,  374, 
375.  See  also  National  Indus- 
trial Council. 

National  Electric  Light  Associa- 
tion, 92,  372,  493 

National  Employers'  Council,  130 

National  Erectors'  Association,  24, 
32,  92,  104,  129,  137-150,  148,  149, 
159,  175,  200,  202,  242,  282,  343, 
366,  369,  471,  493,  540,  546,  549, 
556 

National  Forty-Eight  Hour 
League,  236 

National  Founders'  Association, 
24,  32,  60,  61,  63-97,   120,   127, 

128,  129,  138,  142,  147,  148,  224, 
280,  281,  366,  367,  368,  371,  372, 
374,  443,  470,  471,  483,  493,  494, 
540 

National   Implement  and  Vehicle 

Association,  493 
National    Industrial    Council,    93, 

129,  142,  260,  280,  295,  310,  311, 
313,  321-2,  325,  326,  339,  364, 
370,  372-7,  493,  494,  532,  545 

National  Industrial  Conference 
Board,  33,  93,  126,  127,  131,  142, 
259,  372,  443,  475-95,  539,  540, 
545 

National  Labour  Association  of 
England.  370 

National  Machine  Tool  Builders' 
Association,  129,  281,  365 


National  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion, 24,  32,  91,  92,  98-136,  138, 
142,  148,  149,  176,  280,  281,  364, 
366,  367,  370,  372,  374,  398,  442, 
445,  467,  470,  476,  483,  493,  494, 
521,  539,  540,  556.  Chicago 
Branch  121,  123.  Cincinnati, 
123,  127.  Cleveland,  124.  In- 
dianapolis, 539.  New  Jersey, 
125.     St.  Louis,  124. 

National  Open  Shop  Publicity 
Bureau,    142 

National  Retail  Dry  Goods  Asso- 
ciation,  442 

National  Trades  and  Workers' 
Association,  14,  305,  346 

New  York  Board  of  Trade  and 
Transportation,  471 

New  York  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion, 405 

New  York  Retail  Dry  Goods 
Association,  419 

New  York  Typothetae,  232,  369, 
411 

Ohio  Manufacturers'  Association, 
371 

Open  Shop  Association  of  Beau- 
mont, Texas,  540 

Ornamental  Glass  Manufacturers, 
198 

Paper  Jobbers,  Boston,  280 
Parquet  Flooring  Association,  174 
Pennsylvania  Manufacturers' 

Association,  365 
Pennsylvania  State  Association  of 

Builders,  202 
Photo-Engravers,    Boston,   280 
Pipe  and  Boiler  Covering  Employ- 
ers' Association,  198 
Pittsburgh  Contractors,  198 
Plastering    Contractors'    Associa- 
tion, 187,  198 
Plate  and  Window  Glass  Jobbers, 

198 
Printers'  League  of  America,  249, 
250,  273,  276 

Railway  Business  Association,  130 


Index 


567 


Railway       Car       Manufacturers' 

Association,  493 
Railway    Executives'    Committee, 

Refrigerator  Manufacturers  Asso- 
ciation, 17s 

Rubber  Association  of  America, 
493 

Sheet  Metal  Contractors,  188,  189, 
198,  365 

Shippers  and  Manufacturers 
Association  of  Rockford,  Illi- 
nois, 365 

Silk  Association  of  America,  494 

Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Use- 
less Giving,  424 

Southern  Newspaper  Publishers' 
Association,  222 

Stove  Founders'  National  Defense 
Association,  22,  32,  37-62,  63,  67, 
91,  104,  148,  149,  224,  409,  548 

Tennessee  Manufacturers'  Asso- 
ciation, 371 

Tile,  Grate  and  Mantel  Associa- 
tion, 174 

Tile  Manufacturers'  Credit  Asso- 
ciation, 280 

Tobacco  Merchants'  Association 
of  the  U.  S.,  493 

Truck  Owners'  Association,  New 
York,  406 


United  Americans  of  Illinois,  199 

United  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion of  the  Pacific  Coast,  91-2, 
130,  142 

United  States  Brewers'  Associa- 
tion, 16,  130,  442 

United  Typothetae  and  Franklin 
Clubs  of  America,  232.  See 
next  association. 

United  Typothetae  of  America,  22, 
24.  25,  33,  207,  218,  220,  224,  226- 
288,  362,  369,  476,  488,  494,  515, 
545.  Closed  Shop  Division  or 
Branch,  226,  227,  228,  245,  250, 
252,  261,  262,  263,  264,  2(55  267, 
268,  272-9,  281.  Open  Shop  Di- 
vision or  Branch,  220,  226,  227, 
228,  234,  235,  238,  24s,  248,  249, 
250,  261-272,  281.  District 
Closed  Shop  Divisions,  274,  275. 
Local  Closed  Shop  Divisions, 
274.  District  Typothetae,  236. 
New  York  Branch,  369 

Vacation  Association,  423 

Woodworking  Employers'  Asso- 
ciation, 198 

Worcester  Builders'  Exchange, 
364,  369 


INDEX  TO  PUBLICATIONS 

Issued,  Circulated  or  Endorsed  by  the  Associations 

(See  also  References  at  close  of  Chapters) 


Addresses  . . .  British  Labor  Party 

Program  of  Reconstruction,  431 

Address  of   President  Seth  Low, 

431 

American  Employers*  Profit  Shar- 
ing Plans,  428 

American  Industries,  41,  255,  310, 
311,  322,  328,  333,  337-40,  342, 
344,  347,  349,  350,  357,  367,  369 

Analysis  of  British  Wartime  Re- 
ports on  Hours  of  Work  as  Re- 
lated to  Output  and  Fatigue,  484 

An  Analysis  of  the  Labor  Union, 
Injunction  and  Contempt  Sec- 
tions of  the  Clayton  Anti-Trust 
Bill,  465 

An  Analysis  of  the  Unanimous 
Decision  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  Massachusetts  Declaring  the 
Anti-Injunction  Law  of  that 
State  Unconstitutional,  466 

Anti-Injunction  Legislation,  466 

Anti- Picketing  and  Anti-Boycott 
Bill,  537 

Application  of  the  Sherman  Anti- 
Trust  Act  to  Labor  Disputes, 
466 

Arbitration  and  Wage  Fixing  in 
Australia,  485 

Argument  in  Support,  of  Senate 
Bill  No.  140,  537 

Bill  to  Prohibit  Picketing  and 
Boycotting,  537 

Birthday  of  Our  Constitution,  487 

Blemish  on  Trades  Unionism, 
Lawlessness,  465 

Bolshevism,  Self-Defined  and  Self- 
Convicted,  343 

Boycott,  The,  142,  433 


Boycott  and  Public  Opinion,  465 

British  and  American  Labor  Prob- 
lems, 343 

British  Industrial  Crisis,  343 

Buck's  Stove  and  Range  Company 
vs  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor,  343 

Bulletin,  American  Anti-Boycott 
Association,  464,  465 

Bulletin,  Building  Construction 
Employers'  Association,  Chica- 
go, 199,  200 

Bulletin,  National  Council  for  In- 
dustrial Defense,  321,  343 

Bulletitu,  National  Erectors'  Asso- 
ciation, 200 

Bulletin,  National  Metal  Trades 
Association,  126,  127 

Bulletin,  Open  Shop  Department, 
National  Association  of  Manu- 
facturers, 368 

Bulletin,  United  Typothetae  of 
America,  244,  252,  254,  265,  282 

Business  Man  and  Legislation,  345 

Business  Man  and  the  Trend  of 
the  Times,  363 

Canadian  Industrial  Disputes  In- 
vestigation Act,  485 

Capital  vs  Labor  Conflict  Near 
Crisis,  537 

Case  of  Federal  Propaganda  in 
Our  Public  Schools,  486,  492 

Century,  337,  341 

Changes  in  the  Cost  of  Living: 
July,  1914,  to  March,  1921,  (also 
other  dates)  484 

Changes  in  Wages  During  and 
Since  the  War,  484 

Closed  Shop,  465 
568 


Index 


569 


Closed  Shop  Union  versus  the 
Open  Shop:  Their  Social  and 
Economic  Value  Compared,  487 

Closed  Shop  Unionism,  88,  142, 
512,  537  _     _ 

Closed  vs  Open  Snop  Unionism, 

343 
Coercion     of     Congress    as     At- 
tempted   by    Organized    Labor, 

465 

Compulsory  Arbitration,  433 

Compulsory  Health  Insurance,  431 

Concerning  Labor's  Loyalty,  535 

Conciliation  and  Arbitration  in 
New  Zealand,  485 

Concise  Information  Regarding 
the  National  Founders'  Associa- 
tion, 88 

Constitution  Day,  487 

Cost  of  Health  Service  in  In- 
dustry, 485 

Cost  of  Living  among  Wage 
Earners,  (various  localities)  484, 
485,  486 

Crime  of  the  Century  and  Its  Re- 
lation to  Politics,  142-3 

Cruel  Unionism,  347 

Danbury  Hatters*  Case,  465 
Davenport  Testimonial,  466 
Decision  of  Justice  Gould  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of   the  District 
of  Columbia,  466 
Decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the   United   States   in  the  Case 
of  Paine  Lumber  Company  et  al 
vs  Elbridge  H.  Neal,  466 
Deeds  against  Words,  143 
Disadvantages    of    Labor    Union- 
ism, 347 
Disastrous  Effects  of  a  National 

Eight  Hour  Law,  342 
Domestic  Free  Trade  and  Organ- 
ized Labor,  466 
Duty  of  Organized  Labor  in  War 
Time,  143 

Educational  Literature  (series  of 
49  numbers)   2Z7,  342,  343 


Eight  Hour  Day  Defined,  484 

Eight  Hours  by  Act  of  Congress, 
Arbitrary,  Needless,  Destruc- 
tive, Dangerous,  308,  342 

Elements  of  the  Labor  Problem, 
487 

Emergency  Bulletin,  525 

Employer,  The,  539 

Excerpts,  127 

Experience  with  Trade  Union 
Agreements :  Clothing  Indus- 
tries, 485 

Extent  and  Causes  of  Absence 
Among  Industrial  Workers,  484 

Extravagance,  343 

Factory  Solidarity  or  Class  Soli- 
darity, 466 

Facts  About  Indianapolis,  518 

Facts  in  the  Case  of  the  Inter- 
Church  World  Movement,  512 

Facts  on  Immigration,  428 

Facts  versus  Platitudes  and  Soph- 
istry, 362 

Family  Budgets  of  American 
Wage  Earners,  485 

Federal  Courts  and  the  Writ  of 
Injunction  in  Labor  Controver- 
sies, 466 

Foundry  Code,  83 

Gems   of   Thought   on   Law    and 

Liberty.  537 
Germany's  Most  Successful  Hoax, 

431 
Goal  of  the  Labor  Trust,  362 
Government  by  Injunction,  433 
(Governmental  War  Agencies  Af- 
fecting Business,  343 
Grafting  Union  Officials  Must  be 

Eliminated,  537 
Great   Britain's  Health   Insurance 

Act,  428 
Great    Open    Shop    "Conspiracy," 
537 

Health  Service  in  Industry.  485 
Honest  Unionism  or  None,  363 
Hope  for  Labor  Unions,  343 
Hours  of  Work,  539 


570 


Index 


Hours  of  Work  as  Related  to 
Output  and  Health  of  Work- 
ers: (i)  Cotton  Manufactur- 
ing: (2)  Boot  and  Shoe  Indus- 
try; (3)  Wool  Manufacturing; 
(4)  Silk  Manufacturing;  (5) 
Metal  Manufacturing  Indus- 
tries; 484 

Hours  of  Work  Program  in  Five 
Major  Industries,  484 

How  about  Accidents,   125 

How  American  Manufacturers 
View  Employment  Relations,  297 

How  American  Mechanics  Can 
Win  the  War,  534-5 

I  Did  What  I  Did  for  Principle, 

465. 
Individual     Clergyman     and     the 

Problems  of  Industry,  512 
Individual  Liberty,  433 
Industrial    Betterment    Activities, 
National  Association  of  Manu- 
facturers, 358 
Industrial    Betterment    Activities, 
National  Metal  Trades  Associa- 
tion, 127 
Industrial  Conservation,  360 
Industrial  Gazette,  202 
Industrial  News  Survey,  489 
Industrial   Preparedness,   127 
Industrial   War  Service   Bulletin, 

343 
Industry,  511,  539 
Interim  Report  of  the  European 

Commission,  486 
Iron   Trade  Review,   540 
Is   Compulsory  Health   Insurance 

Desirable?  486 
Is  Labor  a  Commodity?  343 
I.  W.  W.,  The,  127 

Kills  Goose  of  the  Golden  Eggs, 
517 

Labor  and  Liberty,  536 

Labor  Conditions  and  the  Open 
Shop    in    Indianapolis,    518 

Labor,  Law  and  Order,  466 

Labor  Legislation,  467 

Labor  Legislation  and  Its  Tenden- 
cies, 365 


Labor  Problems  of  the  Times,  363 

Labor  Secretary  and  Labor  Ques- 
tions, 88 

Labor  Situation  in  Great  Britain 
and  France,  428 

Labor  Sunday  Sermon  as  a  Me- 
dium for  industrial  Enlighten- 
ment, 511-2 

Labor  Unions  and  the  Law,  143, 
466 

Law  and  Labor,  458,  465,  468 

Law  and  Liberty  vs  Lawlessness, 
363 

Letter  to  the  Architect  about 
Closed  Shop  Clauses  in  Build- 
ing Contracts,  143 

Limitations  on  the  Right  to  Strike, 
466 

Lincoln  Day  Message,  487 

Los  Angeles  Times,  224,  364 

Management,  343 

Manual  of   Americanism,  537 

Manufacturer  and  Public  Affairs, 
365 

Memorandum  of  the  Board,  487 

Memorandum  Relative  to  the  In- 
junction Features  of  H.  R.,  i5, 
657,  466 

Michigan  Manufacturer  and  Fi- 
nancial Record,  540 

Million  against  One,  a  Conspiracy 
to  Crush  the  Open  Shop,  465 

Millions  Appropriated  to  Throttle 
Business,  520 

Minimum  Wage,  433 

Minimum   Wage  by  Law,  427 

Mistakes  of  the  Interchurch  Steel 
Report,   537 

Modern  Political  Tendencies  Crit- 
icised, 365 

Money    Wages    vs   Real   Wages, 

537 
Monopoly  of  Labor,  343 
Mutual  Interests  of  Employer  and 

Employee,  365 

National  Civic  Federation,  Its 
Methods  and  Its  Aims,  431 

National  Civic  Federation  Review, 
392,  427,  429,  430,  435,  436,  438, 
439,  440,  443,  444 


Index 


571 


N.  F.  A.    Safety  Code  for  Foun- 
dries, 86 
Isiational  War  Labor  Board,  485 
New  Asset  for  Industry,  538 

Open  Shop,  127 

Open  Shop  Bulletin,  National 
Association    of    Manufacturers, 

537 

Open  Shop  Encyclopedia  for  De- 
baters, 297,  343,  368 

Open  Shop  Folder,  540 

Open  Shop  Primer,  537 

Open  Shop  Review,  61,  77,  91,  127, 
128,  540 

Open  Shop  the  Only  Safe  Road 
for  the  Country,  537 

Opportunity  to  Hold  Labor's 
Good  Will,   537 

Our  Country,  487 

Our   Independence   Day,   487 

Our  Lessons  from  England's  Ex- 
perience, 143 

Perils  of  the  Port  and  the  Peo- 
ple's  Defense,  466 

Piece  Work  vs.  Day  Work,  433 

Playing  the  Game,  537 

Policy    of    Lawlessness,    88 

Policy  of  Organized  Labor  in  the 
War,  143 

Political  Defeat  of  Union  Labor 
in  Indianapolis,  532 

Practical  Experience  with  Profit 
Sharing  in  Industrial  Establish- 
ments, 485 

Practical  Experience  with  the 
Work  Week  of  Forty-Eight 
Hours  or  Less,  484 

Practical  Value  of  the  National 
Founders'  Association  in  Resist- 
ing Unjust  Union  Demands,  88 

Present  Activities  of  the  National 
Civic  Federation,  430,  431 

President  and  the  Courts,  343 

President  Wilson's  Warning  to 
Bridgeport   Strikers,  535 

President's  Industrial  Commission, 

444 
Preventive  Appliances,  357 
Problems  of  Industrial  Readjust- 
ment in  the  United  States,  485 


Problems  of  Labor  and  Industry 

in  Germany,  487 
Problems  of  Labor  and  Industry 

in    Great    Britain,    France    and 

Italy,  486 
Problems  of  Pensions,  422,  427 
Problems  of  To-day,  438 

Ratio  of  Apprentices,  433 

Real  Significance  of  the  Eight- 
Hour  Day,   127 

Refutation  of  False  Statements  in 
Propaganda  for  Compulsory 
Health   Insurance,   431 

Reply  to  the  Charge  of  the  Fed- 
eral Council  of  Churches  of 
Christ   in   America,   537 

Rest  Periods  for  Industrial  Work- 
ers, 484 

Restriction  of  Output,  433 

Restriction  of  Output  in  the 
Closed   Shop,   142,   343 

Review  and  Digest  of  Industrial 
Legislation,  343 

Right  to  Strike,  433 

Road  to  Industrial  Peace,  466 

Rural  Control  of  Congress,  365 

Safety  Appliances,  124 

Safety  Bulletin,  National  Foun- 
ders' Association,  85-6 

Safety  Bulletin,  National  Metal 
Trades  Association,   125 

Safety  in  the  Foundry,  86 

Safety  Notes,  125 

Safety   Talk,   124 

Scientific  Management,  433 

Shield,  The,  538 

Shorter  Work  Day,  433 

Should  the  State  Interfere  in  the 
Determination  of  Wage  Rates? 
487 

Should  Trade  Unions  and  Em- 
ployers' Associations  Be  Made 
Legally  Responsible?  487 

Sickness  Insurance  or  Sickness 
Prevention,  484 

Situation  in  the  Structural  Iron 
Industry    in    New    York    City, 

143 
Social  Control  of  Industrial  War- 
fare, 466 


572 


Index 


Social  Justice  vs  Closed  Shop 
Misleadership,  537 

Social  Problem  as  Seen  from  the 
Viewpoint  of  Trade  Unionism, 
Capital  and  Labor,  431,  438 

Socialism,  433,  437 

Socialism,  a  Philosophy  of  Fail- 
ure, 343 

Socialism  as  an  Incubus  on  the 
American  Labor  Movement,  431 

Socialism  and  the  National  Civic 
Federation,  431 

Socialism  and  War,  431,  438 

Socialism,  Prussianism  and  the 
Stockholm  Conference,  438 

Solution  of  the   Labor   Problem, 

343 

Some  Recommendations  Submit- 
ted to  the  United  States  Com- 
mission on  Industrial  Relations, 
466 

Spirit  of  Caution,  86,  125 

Standards  for  Factory  Wash 
Room  Facilities,  419 

State  Constabulary  Bill,  537 

Statement  of  Principles  Which 
Should  Govern  the  Employment 
Relation  in  Industry,  486,  491 

Statement  Respecting  National 
Labor  Situation,  494 

Story  of  Duluth  and  the  Open 
Shop,  142,  343 

Straight  Sermon  to  Young  Men, 
127 

Strike,  the  Lockout,  and  the  Neu- 
tral Citizen,  143 

Strikes  and  Public  Utilities,  a 
Remedy,  465-6 

Strikes  in  American  Industry  in 
Wartime,  484 

Strikes  on  Public  Utilities,  a 
Remedy,  466 

Structural  Iron  and  Steel  Fabrica- 
tors Submit  Statement  to  Na- 
tional War  Labor  Board,  143 

Sunset  Magazine,  341 

Supreme  Court  of  Connecticut 
Unanimously  Decides  that  a 
Monopoly  of  Labor  by  Closed 
Shop  Agreement  is  Unlawful, 
466 


Supreme  Court  of  the  State  of 
New  York  Defines  Duty  of 
Transportation    Employees,   466 

Teamwork,  537 

Throttling  the  Nation's  Press,  354 

To  Build  Open  or  Closed  Shop — 
Which?  Ten  Reasons  and  a 
Conclusion  Addressed  to  the 
Owner,   142,  343 

Tools  and  the  Man,  365 

Tracts  for  the  Times,  343 

Trade  Unionism,  A  Constructive 
Criticism,   143 

Transportation  and  Public  Rights, 
466 

True  Meaning  of  the  Open  Shop, 
342 

Two  Proposed  Statutes  Advo- 
cated by  the  League  for  Indus- 
trial Rights  and  Supporting 
Memorandum,   466 

Typothetce  Bulletin,  235,  256,  257 

Unemployment  in  the  United 
States,  485 

Union  Leaders  Organize  to  Op- 
pose Open  Shop,  537 

Union  vs.  the  Non-Union  Shop, 
433 

United  States  Circuit  Court,  Dis- 
trict of  Connecticut,  Loewe 
Case,  or  Danbury  Hatters'  Case, 
466 

Unwarranted  Conclusions  Regard- 
ing the  Eight-Hour  and  Ten- 
Hour  Workday,  487,  493 

Vast  Welfare  Activities  under 
Way,  430 

Vital  Issues  in  the  Industrial  Con- 
ference at  Washington,  D.  C, 
486 

Wage  Changes  in  Industry,  484 
Wages     and     Prices— What    Are 

Prices?  343 
Wages   and  the   Cost  of  Living, 

433 
Wages  and  the  H.  C.  L.,  537 
Wages   in   Great   Britain,   France 

and  Germany,  484 


Index 


573 


Wages  of  Tolerance  and  the  Cost 
of    Indifference,  363 

War  Revenue  Act  of  1918 — a 
Brief  Analysis,  486 

Wartime  Changes  in  the  Cost  of 
Living,  July,  1914  to  March, 
1919,  (other  dates)  484 

Wartime  Changes  in  Wages,  484 

Wartime  Employment  of  Women 
in  the  Metal  Trades,  484 

War  Time  Pledge  of  Organized 
Labor,  143 

IVashington  Service  Bulletin,  321 

Welfare  Department,  the  National 
Civic  Federation,  430 

Welfare  Work — Address  of  Her- 
bert H.  Vreeland,  430 

Welfare  Work,  Clothing  Manu- 
facturing, New  York  City,  427 

Welfare  Work  in  Mercantile 
Houses,  428 

What  Ails  Us?  536 

What  Does  the  Closed  Shop  Mean 
to  You?  362 

What  Is  Progress  in  Politics?  88 

What  the  Eight-Hour  Agitation 
Means,  88 


Where  Are  We  Going?  363 
Where  Does  Taft  Stand  ?  332 
Where  Will  It  All  End?  513,  537 
Which?  Open  or  Qosed  Shop,  512 
Why  the  Open  Shop  Campaign  Is 

Successful,  537 
Woman  in  the  Case,  537 
Work  of  the  National  Civic  Fed- 
eration, 431 
Work  of  the  National  Association 
of  Manufacturers  and  the  Na- 
tional    Council    for    Industrial 
Defense,  345 
Workman's  Lesson,  358 
Workmen's     Compensation,     415, 

427 
Workmen's  Compensation  Acts  in 
the    United    States — the    Legal 
Phase,  484 
Works  Council  Manual,  485 
Works    Councils    in    the    United 
States,  485 

X  Y  Z  of  the  Plum  Plan,  530 

Your  Agent,  the  Builder,  143 


GENERAL  INDEX 


Ability,  72,  504,  510,  533 

Abuses,  408,  452,  521,  531 

Accidents,  85-6,  112,  122,  124-5, 
133.  253-4.  295,  320,  357-9,  368, 
369,  399,  413-4,  416-7,  427 

Achievements,  126,  275,  277,  328, 
396,  402,  404,  407-8,  416,  443-4 

Action,  130,  146,  188,  277,  309,  312, 
328,  331,  374,  436,  453,  457-8, 
477,  479-81,  483,  488,  502,  521 

Activities,  73-91,  gS-g,  loi,  107, 
118-22,  125,  127,  131,  133,  144, 
146-8,  174,  197,  200,  222,  226, 
228,  238,  248-9,  2f52-5,  259-60, 
280,  295-6,  300,  308-15,  317,  324- 
34,  342,  349,  351,  354,  358-9,  361, 
386-7,  391,  399, '416,  421,  423. 
426,  429,  431,  439,  443.  450, 
455-7,  468-70,  477-9,  482,  489, 
499,  503-4,  509,  510,  512,  526-7, 
529,  532-4,  547-8,  550-2,  554-5, 
557 

Acts,  26-7,  75,  89,  92,  296,  308-9, 
314,  316,  320,  322,  325.  335-6, 
354,  357,  361,  421,  427,  451,  453, 
456-7,  459.  463.  530 

Adamson  Eight-Hour  Law,  89, 
309,  530 

Addresses  of  officers,  124,  127, 
129-30,  142,  302,  344-7,  357,  359, 
361-3,  365,  371,  418,  428,  437, 
462,  467-8,  488,  536,  551-2 

Adjustment,  47,  52,  66,  68,  73-4, 
101-2,  109,  III,  114,  121,  147, 
190-1,  275-6,  278,  297,  370,  389, 
401,  480 

Administrative  Council,  64-6,  74, 
76,  99-100,  106-7,  III,  519-20, 
529,  535,  539 

Advertising,  109-10,  122,  186, 
340-1,  368,  409,  505,  517 

Advice,  78,  83-4,  88,  108-9,  113-4. 

132,  141,  243, 321,  341,  348,  m. 


389,  413,  42i?,  436,  451.  456. 
462-3,  468-9,  502.  505,  526,  541. 
551 

Advisory  councils,  committees, 
etc.,  368,  374,  388,  389 

Advocacy,  85-6,  89,  119-22,  133, 
142,  146,  182,  197,  296,  301,  317- 
20,  2,z\-2,  339,  353,  359,  372,  375, 
389,  4CO-I,  412-4,  416,  451,  457, 
492,  527,  532 

Affiliated  associations,  178-9, 
187-8,  196-7,  225-6.  374-6,  450, 
475,  483,  493-4,  500 

Affiliations,  86,  92,  137,  174-5,  198, 
328,  362,  370-2,  471,  475,  519, 
551 

Agencies,  3,  I47,  253,  344,  347, 
392,  397.  429,  431,  449,  454,  456, 
478-9,  499,  505,  520,  522 

Agents,  23,  no,  146,  160-1,  166-7, 
^72,,  184-5,  192,  450,  453,  4S7» 
501,  506-7 

Agitation,  79-80,  84,  86,  88,  90, 
105,  1 13-6,  122-3,  125,  132,  145, 
198,  300,  322,  341-2,  348,  356-7, 
410,  426,  457,  468,  504-5,  507, 
509,  51 1-2,  514,  524,  526,  541 

Agitators,  5-6,  72,  79-81,  86-7,  102, 
1 12-4,  118,  132,  333,  340,  347, 
350,  354.  360,  362,  453,  464,  S05, 
509,  51 1-3.    517,   519,  524-8,  532 

Agreements,  14,  22-3,  25,  32-3,  39, 
41,  44,  47,  49-58,  65-70,  75.  71^ 
87,  99,  loi,  103-5,  III,  116,  118, 
121,  123,  13;*,  139-40,  146-7,  153, 
155-6,  159,  163-4,  166-8,  172-3, 
175,  178-9,  182,  184-96,  208-20, 
239,  251-3,  260-1,  264,  273-9,  282, 
303,  305,  336,  354.  368,  389-90. 
396,  398-401,  404-6,  409-12, 
426-7,  456-7,  460,  462-4,  505-7. 
516,  520-1,  554 

Aid,  64,  76-7,   125,   130,    161,  318, 


575 


576 


INDEX 


342-3,  351-2,  354,  389,  417,  506, 
524 
Aims,  109,  185,  29s,  347,  433,  437, 

501-3,  514,  523 
Alexander,      Magnus      W.,      482. 

487-8,  491 
Allen,  A.  J.,  536-7,  539-40 
Alliances,  24,  301,  413,  545 
American    Federation    of    Labor, 
8-10,  21-2,  25,  31,  33,  42,  87,  89, 
142,     144,    305,    309,    313,    324- 
330-1,   335,    340,    357,    362,    366, 
375,    i77,    386,    396,    411,    415, 
435-7,  439,  4S6,  458-60,  465,  467, 
469,  477,  514-6,  540 
American  plan,  499,  510,  541 
Antagonism,    315,    337,    352,    480, 

511 

Anthracite  Coal-Strike  Commis- 
sion, 92,  128,  317,  368,  469 

Appeals,  45,  116,  122,  125,  214, 
276,  314,  322-4,  327,  336,  338, 
340,  348,  351-4,  357,  364,  426, 
459-60,  467,  505,  509,  550 

Appliances,  72,  82,   124,  358 

Applications,    180,    191,   403,    501, 

Appointments,    165,    179-80,    323-4, 

329,  331,  387  „      ^ 

Apprentices,  43,  47,  51,  56,  58,  66, 
72,  yy,  81,  99,  102-3,  118,  126, 
129,  132,  192,  196,  241,  243,  252- 
3,  255-6,  258-9,  264,  274,  276-7, 
279,  299,  319,  358,  417,  426,  436, 
515,  523 

Appropriations,  126-7,  146,  309, 
318-9,  322,  457,  476,  492,  501, 
519-20 

Approvals,  44,  159,  191,  272,  276, 
298,  317,  322,  332,  367 

Arbitration,  11,  32,  50,  68-70,  ^Z, 
104,  107,  146,  156,  162-6,  168, 
181,  188,  191 -3,  207-17,  220-1, 
242-3,  251,  273-5,  277-9,  281-2, 
316,  354,  358,  390-1,  397,  399- 
412,  416,  426,  434,  457,  551,  555, 
558-9 

Arbitrator,  70,  73,  163-4,  166,  168, 
215,  278,  400,  404,  406 

Arguments,  126,  142-3,  212,  316, 
321,  326,  355,  415,  436,  457-8, 
465-7,  539 


Army,  119,  132,  318,  438 
Articles,   124,  142,  341,  350,  366-7^ 

429,  435,  438,  467-8,  536.  539 
Assaults,  75,  314,  437 
Assessments,      38-9,      65-6,      100, 

106-7,     131,     138-9,     158-9,     182, 

223-4,    229,    246-7,    264,    270-1, 

450,  549-50 
Assistance,    iii,    140-1,    143,    502, 

523-4,  551 
Association  movement,  v,  vi,   131, 

393,. 452,  541,  557 
Associations  defined,  13 
Attacks,    85-6,   91,    114,    145',    217, 

306,    327-8,    342,    350,    353,    356, 

360,   420,   422,  425,  437-42,   464, 

512,  514,  540 

Attempts,  74,  104,  108,  117,  267-8, 
301,  340,  354,  357,  371,  414,  433, 
454-5,  463,  504,  506,  538,  556 

Attendance,  293,  345 

Attitude,  90,  103,  128,  282-3,  294, 
300,  302-5,  309,  314,  324-5,  336, 
345,  360,  376,  390-1,  425,  436, 
439,  452-3,  479,  507,  553 

Attorneys,  461,  501,  530  (counsel) 
(lawyers) 

Averting  trouble,  etc.,  59,  81,  113, 

132,  386,    389,    397,    400,   402-4, 
407,  463,  523,  551 

Awards,  194,  213-4,  216,  457 

Banks  and  bankers,  116,  132,  310, 

318,  391,  408,  425,  520,  522 
Barr,  Wm.  H.,  93,  371,  483 
Battles,  304,  352,  451,  456,  550 
Belligerency,    14,    20-1,    24-6,    61, 
63,  92,  103,  117,  131,  137-9,  141, 
144,    159,    174,    201-2,    207,    217, 
224,  236,  245,  249-50,  282,  300-2, 
398,  440,  547-51,  553,  556 
Benefits,  78,   186,  253,  464,  477-8, 

482,  524,  528 
Betterment,  89,  loi,  122,  125,  127, 

133,  295,  342-3,  351-5,  358-9,  Zli, 
394,  416,  418,  423,  429,  468,  509, 

513,  550,  555 

Bills,  89-90,  119,  121,  133,  141,  197, 
259,  280,  301,  308-9,  313-5,  321-5, 
327,  364,  7^1,  413-5,  456,  458, 
466,  528,  530,  532 


INDEX 


577 


Bird,  345-6,  363-4,  372,  374 
Bitterness,  12,  60-1,  406,  443 
Blacklists,   6,   296,   299,   330,   354, 

535,  550 
Blackmail,  86,  109,   139,  239,     454 
Boards,    11,    15,   32,  73,   121,    129, 
144,   147,   154-9,   162-6,   168,   174, 
176,     179-80,    182,     18(5,     189-91, 
193-S,    198,    200-1,    209-16,    219, 
222-3,  263-4,  268,  270,  272,  275-6, 
278-9,  293-5,  309,  317,  .342,  347, 
368,  372-3,  400-1,  405,  450,  471, 
500-1,  531,  549,  551-2 
Bodies,  90,  105,  3^8,  312,  376,  414 
Bonds,  155-6,  182,  188-9,  550 
Bonuses,  76,  122,  243,  255,  351 
Bolshevism,  87,  90,    146,  356,  358, 
413,  439-40,  451,  510,  527,  529- 
31 
Booklets,  88,  142,  143,  297,  342-3, 
354,    358,    368,   422,   437-8,    466, 
512,  518,  529,  537-8 
Boycott,  19,  47,  55,  119,  121 -2,  126, 
13.3,  140,  170,  186,  209,  217,  299, 
312,    324,    326,    340-1,    351,   354, 
406,    433-4,    451,    454-7,    459-62, 
467,    4^,    503,    521,    523,    526-7, 
532 
Branches,  64,  99,   104,   106-7,   109, 

120,  122-3,  130,  149,  267,  386 
Breach  and  breakdown  of  agree- 
ments, 47,  49-50,  87,  161,  164-5, 

264,  331,   463-4.    505,    520,    526, 
556,  559 

Briefs,  415,  457-8,  465,  468,  470 
Briggs,   O.  P.,  vi,  vii,  64,  80,  92, 

128 
Brindell,  Robert  P.,  172-3 
Building,    23,    :^-2,    1^7-202,   405, 

410,  418,  499,  518,  521,  546,  549, 

554 
Building     Trades     Council,     145, 

172-3,  183-4,  186,  188-9,  196,  461 
Bulletins,   82,    122,    145,   224,   261. 

343,  422,  424,  464,  540 
Bureaus,    82-3,     105-6,     109,     118, 

1 40- 1,   197,  208,  229,  241,  243-5, 

265,  318,  339,  373,  418,  428,  477, 
483,  501,  504,  525 

Business,  15,  64,  72,  91,  101-2,  137, 
154,  179,  182,  260,  294,  296,  308- 
10,   314-6,   324,   327-8,    333,   338, 


341-2,  346,  352,  354,  360,  369, 
i73,  393,  396,  418,  420,  434,  458, 
480,  488-9,  499,  502,  508-15,  518- 
20,  522-3,  525,  528,  532,  538, 
553-5 
Business  agents,  23,   160-1,    166-7, 

173,  184-5 
By-laws,   65-6,   71,    lOi,    179,    182, 
190,  198,  200,  386,  519,  540 

Campaigns,  75,  78,  85,  89,  108, 
125,  128,  142,  144,  302,  326-9, 
334,  336-7,  341-2,  349.  354,  361. 
364,  369.  415,  423,  42s,  S14,  518, 
520-2,  535,  539,  550 

Candidates,  197,  327-8,  3^-2,  458, 
532-3 

Cannon,  Joseph  G.,  323,  327,  330-1 

Capital,  capitalism,  capitalist,  3,  7, 
15,  64,  66,  85,  93,  123,  172,  194, 
196,  291-2,  299-300,  306,  327-8, 
367,  390-4,  396-7,  401,  411,  427, 

435,  437-8,  444,  449,  454,  5 10,  5I3 
Cards,  172,  240-1,  504,  509,  550 
Cases  in  court,  26,  79,  92-3,   187, 

196,   237,   297,    309,    335-6,    363, 

436,  454,  456,  458-62,  464-5,  469- 
70 

Cause,  the,  316,  366-7,  369,  390, 
394,  396,  450,  468,  514,  551 

Causes,  15-20,  40,  66-8,  85,  87, 
103-4,  160-1,  184-5,  217-8,  232-3, 
249,  300,  312,  331,  342,  350, 
352,  359,  366,  368,  375,  390,  394, 
396-8,  416,  422,  426,  429,  432, 
450,  454-5,  479-80,  488,  509,  511, 
514,  517,  536,  538,  559-60 

Chairmen,  38,  65,  157,  268,  270, 
275,  278-9,  374,  387,  471,  476 

Chambers  of  commerce,  93,  130, 
260,  279,  345,  363,  369,  372,  468, 
517-8,  528 

Changes,  11 -2,  104-6,  248-9,  299- 
300,  308-10,  372,  375,  399,  421, 
450,  452,  539.  554,  556,  560 

Character  and  characteristics,  75, 
98,  105,  131,  139,  192,  198,  281, 
291,  311,  317,  325,  338,  349-50, 
356,  390,  432,  476-7,  479,  483, 
487,  492,   512,  516-7,  553-4,   556 

Charges,  46,  349,  352,  460,  515-6, 
518,  556 


578 


INDEX 


Chests,  war,  lOO,  Sig-20 

Child   labor,   309,   342-3.   4i3,  4I9, 

421,  427-8,  434-5,  534 
Church,  3,  388,  395,  428,  434.  44°, 

511,   S20-I 

Cities  and  city  government,  85, 
145-6,  188,  191,  197,  336,  353-4, 
517-8,  521,  528-9,  538 

Citizens,  24,  306-7,  337,  386,  419, 
423,  451,  467,  516-8,  526-7.  530, 
533,  545,  551 

Classes,  57-8,  98-9,  115,  141-2,  144. 
158-9,  256,  298,  300,  307,  310, 
313-4,  322,  327-8,  332,  336-8,  347, 
353,  359,  364,  373,  375,  386,  417, 
450,  454,  519,  547 

Clayton  Anti-Trust  Act,  27,  92, 
308,  365,  456-7,  461 

Clergymen,  89,  347-9,  511-2,  536-8, 

Closed  shop,  60,  71,  75,  77,  84-7, 
103,  126,  141 -3,  145-7,  173,  234-7, 
266,  297,  299,  301-3,  305,  317, 
336,  344,  346,  353-4,  364,  368, 
426,  459-60,  463-4,  490,  503-4, 
512-25 

Coercion,  3.06,  455,  503,  535,  557-8 

Collective  bargaining,  11,  13,  20, 
31,  71,  119,  171,  242,  271,  391, 
410,  434,  453,  456,  490-1,  520-1, 
535,  557-8 

Colleges,  344,  347-8,  484 

Combating  of  strikes,  17,  26,  45, 
59,  64,  74-8,  105,  107-12,  1 15-6, 
118,  132,  149,  187,  245-8,  337, 
369,  454,  519,  522,  539,  549-50 

Combinations,  7,  23-4,  91,  172, 
176,  194-6,  201-2,  300,  323,  366, 
412,  453-5,  554 

Commendations,  91,  129,  310,  314, 
332,  335,  352,  366,  409,  492,  527, 
529 

Commerce,  4,  61,  85,  91,  145,  283, 
304,  306,  318,  338,  345,  373,  390, 
392,  394,  396,  421,  430,  432,  468, 
489,  499,  502-3,  517,  536,  538 

Commissary,  no,  552 

Commissions,  42,  89-90,  92,  129, 
142,  144,  316-8,  333,  347,  367, 
369,  399.  412-5,  422,  427-8,  486, 
521-2 


Commissioner,  64-S,  73-4,  99, 
108-9,  III,  113,  115,  121,  128, 
137-8,  140,  217,  265,  268 

Committees,  31,  37-9,  43-6,  48-Si, 
56-7,  64-5,  68-70,  77,  81-2,  89, 
92-3,  99-100,  107,  III,  116,  119, 
124,  126,  128,  138,  142,  149, 
154-5,  157-8,  163-5,  167,  174, 
179-82,  187,  189,  191,  193,  208-9, 
218,  220,  223-4,  2^-9,  238,  241, 
243-9,  251,  253,  257-60,  265-8, 
293-5,  301,  311,  313,  315,  321-6, 
33h  348,  356,  359,  361,  370,  372, 
374,  386-9,  395,  397-400,  402-7, 
412-5,  419,  421,  423,  425-8,  431, 
440-1,  444,  450-1,  469,  471,  475-6, 
480,  483,  490,  500-1,  507-8,  519, 
523-4,  534,  538,  551 

Compensation,  45,  71,  74,  84, 
II 1-2,  120,  122,  125,  197-8,  253, 
294,  298,  320,  358,  399,  413-5, 
427.  434,  501,  503,  507-8 

Competition,  30,  49,  54,  58,  60,  63, 
154,  173,  179,  233,  437,  463,  546, 
554,  558 

Compilations,  144,  367,  373,  489 

Complaints,  90,  157,  180,  188, 
194-5,   260,  292,   310,   334-5,  480 

Complications,  17,  69-70,  84,  92, 
139,  141,  386 

Compromises,  78,    107-8,   145,  298, 

304,  459 
Compulsion,    146,    299,    309,    319, 
358,  412,  415,  422,  459,  463,  492, 

505,  535,  558-9 
Concessions,  7-8,   16,   19,   103,   108, 

145,  235,  407,  409 

Conciliation,  11,  162-4,  193,  209, 
217,  220-1,  242,  273-4,  276-9,  302, 
316,  354,  388-9,  391,  396-403, 
405,  407,  410,  426,  433,  555 

Conclusions,    420,    427,    479,    488, 

493,  552 
Condemnations,  86,  90-1,  121,  159, 

251,  309,  315,  317,  329-30,  332-3, 
335,  341-3,  347-51,  353-5.  361-3, 
366,  401,  436-40,  442,  453,  464, 
492,  510-2,  514,  555 
Conditions,  15-20,  40,  59,  66-8,  73, 
80,  82-5,  98,  101,  103-4,  108,  111, 
114,  122,  125,  132,  147,  159,  171, 
184-7,  200-1,  262,  267,  271,  276, 


INDEX 


579 


278,  298,  307,  310,  338,  349-53, 
Z^7,  389,  391-2,  396,  406,  416-9. 
421,  423-4,  427,  429,  432,  434-5, 
437,  452.  454,  458,  477-80,  488, 
504-5.  508-13,  516-7,  520,  524, 
553-6,  558-9 

Conduct,  64,  71,  7iy  102,  109,  127, 
337,  339,  400,  408,  456,  459.  469- 
70,  479,  487,  503,  508-9,  513,  520, 
547.  556,  558 

Conferences,  31,  41-2,  44,  47-59, 
68-71,  73,  83,  89,  102,  113.  129, 
145,  162,  165-6,  185-7,  189-90, 
194,  209-10,  233,  251,  280,  345, 
356,  372,  374-6,  394.  398-9.  40i-7, 
409-12,  414-5,  417-8,  422,  426-7, 
430,  432,  441,  485,  490-1,  511, 
540,  551-2 

Conflict,  the,  vii,  3-33.  89,  98,  125, 
132,  161,  207,  310,  312,  320, 
337-8,  361,  409,  426,  452,  470, 
513,  554-60 

Confusion,  69-70,  553,  556-7 

Congress  and  congressmen,  2>2,  89, 
91,  119,  142,  181,  197,  259-60, 
305,  312,  314-5.  320-4,  327,  330-1, 
333-4,  336,  347.  361,  364-5,  375, 
387,  413,  467,  482 

Conservation,  88,  299,  307,  311, 
359-61,  393,  423,  436-7,  501,  509 

Consideration,  in,  321-2,  348,  356, 
389,  394.  457,  478,  481 

Conspiracies,  2^,  145,  188,  196, 
202,  297,  304,  308,  335,  451,  513, 
557-8 

Constabulary,  90,  376,  532 

Constitution  (U.  S.),  30,  91,  199, 
297-9,  304-5,  310,  317,  415,  433, 

449,  451,  455,  458,  503-4,  514, 
518,  529,  531,  533 

Constitutions,  64-6,  71,  loi,  104, 
113,  137-8,  179-80,  182,  198,  200, 
268,  272-3,  293-5,  299,  304,  373, 

450,  452,  475,  501,  538,  540, 
547-8 

Construction  and  constructive 
matters,  112,  122,  137,  178,  278, 
329,  375,  393.  421,  477-9,  481-3, 
499,  502,  520,  531 

Consultation,  242,  273,  274,  394, 
469 


Consumers,   142,  420,  558 
Contact,  376,  392,  510,  540 
Contempt  of  court,  79.    i97,   297, 

309,  456-7,  459-60,  526 
Contentions,  125,  406,  410,  479 
Contests,  41,  130,  489,  521,  55o 
Contractors,  140,  178-9,  183-7,  I94, 

196-7,  518,  521 
Contracts,  28,  72-5,  83,  85,  102, 
1 12-3,  118,  133,  137,  145.  J57, 
160-1,  172,  181,  183,  191,  195-7, 
209,  231,  237,  243,  261,  274,  276-8, 
296-7,  308,  339,  376,  391.  404. 
406,  410,  412,  436,  452-3.  456, 
460,  462-4,  470,  502,  SO5-7,  523, 
526,  549 
Contrasts,    148-9,    178,   281-2,   353, 

516-7 

Contributions  and  contributors, 
156,  185-6,  199,  333,  354,  374, 
449-50,  476,  478,  500,  547,  550-1 

Control,  II,  15-6,  23-4,  38,  60.  87, 
147,  154,  158,  170-1,  173,  179-80, 
1 90- 1,  202,  230-1,  248-9,  267,  293, 
373-4,  376,  387,  437,  509,  512, 
514,  519,  525,  531,  550,  554,  558- 
60 

Controversies,  45,  68,  155,  180, 
188,  194,  217,  243,  264,  272,  278, 
398,   400,   401,   404-6,    412,    426, 

433.  452,  455,  482,  551,  557 
Conventions,  99-100,  104,  120,  127- 

30,  234-9,  244,  246,  249-50,  253-4, 
257,  263,  265,  267,  274-6,  293-4, 
301-2,  304,  322-3.  325,  327,  335, 
337.  345.  347,  362-5,  387,  483, 
488,  538 
Convictions,    79,    87,    143-4,    3^, 

483 
Cooperation,    89,    105,     120,     125, 
132-3,    140,    142,    145,    196,    251, 
254-5,  272,  306-7,  311,  337,  357- 
60,  362-3,  367-70,  375,  393,  408, 

434,  451-3.  470,  476-83,  489-90, 
494,  499,  502,  505.  518-9,  522, 
539-41 

Corporations,  37,  64,  82,  98,  137, 
153,  178,  2c8,  226,  291-2,  333, 
386,  388,  391,  403,  409,  476,  499, 

537.  549 
Corps,  79,  109,  149 
Correspondence,  130,  258,  540,  551 


58o 


INDEX 


Costs,  4,  28,  59,  83,  85,  89,  114,  117, 
145,  167,  187,  194.  230,  25s, 
2rj7-%,  282,  353,  355,  360,  413. 
426,  435,  457,  459,  462,  468, 
485-6,  i^,  492,  511,  514-6,  518-9, 
536 

Councils  and  councilors,  31,  64-6, 
74,  76,  93,  99,  106-7,  III,  121, 
128,  145,  166,  168,  172-3,  183-4, 
186,  188-9,  191,  193-4,  196-7,  228, 
235,  267-8,  273,  276-8,  282-3,  311, 
370,  Z12-T,  386-8,  35^,  405,  408, 
413-4,  444,  461,  468,  476,  489, 
528 

Counsel,  76,  108,  129,  142,  328, 
335,  367,  374,  395,  450,  454, 
456-7,  461-2,  465-71,  502,  526, 
528,  541 

Counteraction,  84,  no,  340,  437, 
492,  509 

Courts,  79,  no,  146,  155,  188,  197, 
202,  260-1,  297,  308-9,  312,  315, 
332-6,  365-6,  413,  415,  436,  451, 
455-62,  464-5,  469-70,  505,  514, 
526-7,  529,  532-3,  559 

Crimes  and  criminals,  86-7,  298, 
306,  354,  366,  394,  458,  512 

Criticisms,  90,  Z^7,  325,  420,  427, 
434,  512 

Damages,  88,  112,  118,  125,  146-7, 
320,  ZZ(i,  354,  457-9,  463-4,  526 

Danbury  Hatters,  26,  336,  459 

Dangers,  144-5,  304,  310,  328,  330, 
358,  404,  463       ,      ^^ 

Davenport,  Daniel,  366,  454,  456, 
466-7,  469 

Deadlocks,  49,  69-70,  411 

Dealings,  50,  101-2,  114,  132,  139, 
296,  299,  396,  401-3,  502,  506, 
508,  520,  524,  553,  558 

Debates,  297,  343-4,  346,  395,  438, 
467 

Decisions,  73-4,  92,  no,  128,  146, 
155-6,  164,  166,  168,  182,  190-1, 
216,  261,  279,  294,  311,  317-8, 
335-6,  368,  4",  457,  459-62, 
464-5,  469,  517,  529 

Declarations,  41-4,  71-3,  101-4, 
106-7,  109,  n5,  138-9,  229-32, 
237,  271,  296-8,  303,  307-8,  33S, 


367,    41 5,    455,    457,    469,    490, 
501-2,  520,  530,  548-9 
Defeats,    n6,    120,    131,    133,   311, 

313,  329,  Zi2,  334,  398,  464,  504, 

522,  530,  533 
Defense,  80,  100,  105,  122,  132,  218, 

307,   312,    334-5,    346,    350,    m, 

375,    Z77,   425,   435-7,   454,    459, 

463,  S02,  519,  533 
Definitions,   13,  307,  416,  454 
Delays,  188,  321-2,  413 
Delegates,  109,   179,  184,  273,  293, 

352,    376,    432,    475-6,    479,    483, 

491,  513,  523,  538 
Deliberations,  478-9,  488 
Demagogues,   306,   329-30,   348 
Demands,   15,  39-40,  67,   70-1,  84, 

109,     113,     116,     n9,     124,    140, 

184-5,  210,  231,  250,  264,  270-1, 

324,    411,    457,    504,   513-4,   517, 

522-3 

Democracy,     120,    298,    307,     324, 

326-8,  zz'^,  413,  433,  531,  549 
Denouncements,  89,  298,  309,  317, 

330,    349,    354-6,    363,    421,    454, 

483,  512,  514,  521,  530 
Denials,  yi,  325,  328,  353,  356 
Departments,    90,    109,    124,    227, 

237,  242-3,  247,  315,  318,  367-8, 

Z72,   375,    387-9,   398-402,   410-7, 

421-2,  425-6,  429,  431-5,  444,  463, 

469,  492,  534 
Deposits,  106,  118,  182,  327,  550 
Depression,  4,    114,  260,  314,  354, 

410,  546-7,  559 
Destruction,  46,  68,   102,   122,  233, 

307,  355,  360,  393,  437,  439,  512, 

514,  519,  531 
Detection  and  detectives,   79,   112, 

114,  162,  319-20,  420,  530 
Determinations,  60,   102,   171,  296, 

Sc8 
Developments,   7-8,   21,   30-1,    no, 

131,  145,  307,  318,  367.  397,  426, 

434,  477-9.  481-2,  502-3,  558 
Devices,  358,  418,  510 
Dictation,   63,   252,   296,   298,   339, 

515 
Differences,  3,   107,  217,  279,  297, 

338,  389-91,  397,  406,  523 
Difficulties,    47,    51,   65,   68,   73-4, 


INDEX 


581 


81,    108,    196,  408,   411,   462-3, 

529,  555 
Dinners,  364,  375,  394-5,  439 
Directors,   11,   15,   i57,  222-3,  259, 

293-5,    342,    347,    368,    373,    376, 

392,  476,  482-3,  488,  491,   500-1, 

549 
Disagreements,   44,    102,   504,   513 
Disapprovals,  102,  297,  436 
EHscharges,  43,  74,  81,  84,   113-4, 

192,  257,  296,  508,  525 
Discipline,  70,    147,   186,  221,  300, 

453 
Discontent,  341,  393,  504,  5 12 
Discord,  390,  394,  5o8 
Discouragement,  54,  504 
Discrimination,   55,    138,  296,  299, 

303,  406,  452,  480 
Discussion,    100,    190-1,    273,    277, 
375-7,  387,  390,  395,  422,  425-8, 
430-3,    452,   477,    479,   481,   480, 
488-9,  512,  528 
Disintegration,  183-4,  555 
Disinterestedness,  216-7,  S07 
EHsloyalty,  86-7,  114,  257,  439 
Displacements,   352,  422,  436,  505 
Disputes,  4,  49-50,  53,  65,  68,  70, 
102,     III,    113,    145,     157,     161, 
163-6,    179,    185-7,    189-92,    198, 
232,  265,  267,  272,  276,  278,  309, 
312,     335,     389-90,    400-2,     404, 
406-7,  41 1-3,  451,  455-7,  489-90, 
523-4,  551 
Dissemination  of   facts,  etc.,    126, 

367,  477-9,  540 
Dissension,  162,  265,  267,  302 
Distribution,     81,     84,     117,     308, 

315-6,     329.     336,     339,     342-4, 

347,  350,  373,  434,  485,  536-7 
Districts,  38,  44-6,   64-5,  99,    138, 

141,    149,   386 
Disturbances,    86,    236,    350,    360, 

392,  397,  426,  429,  504,  519,  523, 

527,  532 
Dividends,  5,  66,  117,  265 
Divisions,     100,    227,    262-5,    268, 

270-1,  281,  304.  317,  328,  434-5 
Doctrines.  85,    126,   339,  366,  438- 

40,  533,  557 
Documents,  344,  492,  554 


Drew,  92,   129,    137-8,   141 -4.  366, 

471 

Dues,  37-40,  65-6,  100,  105,  137-8, 
157-8,  160,  182-3,  195-6,  223, 
229,  246,  257,  267,  269-70,  273, 
275,  374,  387,  450,  500,  549 

Duties,  53,  65,  no,  271-2,  294-S, 
329.  356,  364,  416,  452,  501,  524 

Dynamite,  119,  143-4,  304,  319-20, 
522 

Earnings,  43,  55,  72,  82,  399,  421, 

435,  513 

Easley,  Ralph  M.,  387,  397,  409, 
438,  444 

Economics,  89,  102,  126,  298,  309, 
316,  343,  352-3,  360,  391,  393-4, 
399,  423,  425,  427-9,  431-5,  438, 
452,  468,  476-82,  484-5,  487-8, 
51 1-2,  515,  557,  560 

Editorials  and  editors,  89,  300, 
310,  328,  337-8,  348,  361,  369, 
429-30,  432-3,  436 

Education,  81,  83,  88-9,  loi,  119- 
20,  122-8,  132-3,  186,  222,  230, 
242-3,  255-9,  269,  276,  280,  295, 
301,  318-9,  337-40,  343-4,  347, 
358-9,  361,  388-9,  415,  417,  426, 
429-30,  432-4,  451,  454-6,  464, 
467-8,  479-80,  499,  518,  520, 
530-1,  535-9,  556 

Effectiveness,  80,  313,  347,  393, 
463,  481 

Efficiency,  77,  100,  102-3,  106, 
114-S,  146,  299,  309,  314,  434, 
479,  502,  510-11,  535,  549 

Efforts,  299,  353,  368,  375,  437, 
455.  503-4,  513,  519,  532,  536 

Eight-hours,  26,  54,  89,  116,  119, 
126,  197,  233,  259,  280,  301,  308, 
327,  355.  364,  456,  493,  530,  551 

Elections,  38,  65,  99-100,  120,  156, 
179-80,  228,  292-4,  327-9.  332. 
374.  387,  415,  500-1,  532-3,  552 

Eligibility,  78-9,  87,  99,   154,   178, 

547 
Elimination,    80,    106,    1 14-5,    I3i, 

173.  354,  360  „        ^      „ 

Emergencies,  38-9,  48,   156,   182-3, 

189,    224,   246-9,  264,    424,    501, 

533 

Emery,  James  A.,  lag,   140,  295, 


582 


INDEX 


311,  313-4,  321-2,  324-S,  327, 
331-4,  345-7.  358,  362-5,  373,  456 
Employees,  37,  64,  66,  68,  71-2.  78, 
84,  88,  99,  101-2,  108,  1 13-4, 
1 17-8,  122-3,  125-7,  145,  179-80, 
185,  254,  273,  291,  295-9,  301,  303, 
309.    312,    340,    342-3,    349.    351. 

353,  356-7,  373,  389-92,  394-6, 
398,  403,  413,  416-7,  420,  424, 
430,  449,  451-3,  455-7,  462-5, 
468,  477-82,  500-2,  505-13,  516, 
S19,  523-4,  526,  529,  535,  537 

Employers,  4-7,  11,  13-20,  45,  52, 
66,  68,  71-4,  78-9,  82-4,  87,  89, 
101-2,  106,  108,  1 12-5,  120,  125-8, 
131,  133,  139,  145-6,  148,  172, 
178-80,  183,  188-9,  192,  196, 
216-7,  246,  269,  273,  295-301, 
303,  305-8,  310,  312,  314,  316, 
319,  321-2,  327-8,  331,  336-9, 
341-3,  346,  348-53,  355-7,  369, 
372-3,  375,  377,  386,  388-92, 
394-6,  398,  401,  403,  407,  410, 
412,  414,  416-9,  421-2,  424,  428-9, 
432,  434-6,  439,  449,  451-3,  455-7, 
459-60,  462-5,  467-8,  476-80, 
482-3,  490-1,  499,  501-13,  516, 
519-20,  523-6,  529,  531,  535-7, 
548,  552-S,  557-8 

Employment,  4,  43,  72-3,  yj,  102, 
105,  no,  118,  121,  138,  140,  145-6, 
163,  168-70,  172,  179,  262,  267, 
269,    296-7,    299,    303.    317,    351, 

354,  356,  358,  391,  396,  406,  420, 
423,  451,  457-8,  464,  486,  490, 
492,  501-2,  504-9,   516,  518,  523, 

525,  534-5,  541 
Enactments,   305,   313,   412-3,   456, 

458,  465,  491,  502,  532 
Encouragement,  121,  314,  329,  335, 

350-1,    366,    368,    391,    478,    511, 

517,  534,  540 

Encroachments,  231,  307,  502 

Endorsements,  92-3,  128-9,  I97, 
199,  305,  3^7,  329-32,  362,  366-8, 
389,  398,  409,  412,  458,  492,  551 

Enemies,  86,  loi,  304,  307,  329, 
337,  352,  375,  5 13 

Enforcement,  48,  89,  121,  157,  188, 
249,  261,  264,  298,  312,  314,  335-6, 
343,  354,  434.  454-6,  458,  460, 
479,  502-3,  523,  526-7,  531-3 


Enjoinment,  460-1,  463,  526 
Enlightenment,  338,  391,  517-8 
Enlistment,    117,    307,    347,    374-5, 

389 
Enterprise,   120- 1,   186,  315-7,  390, 

392,  421-2,  481,  499,  502,  517 
Equality,  299,  355,  502,   518 
Equity,    loi,   296-7,   352,   455,  479, 

482,  535 
Errors,  393-4,  492 

Essentials,  102,  221,  307,  354,  358, 
376,  389,  416,  425,  451,  455,  477. 
481,  515,  535 

Establishment,  353-4,  367-8,  376, 
389,  393,  395,  422,  435,  451,  456, 

522-3 

Ethics,  174,  252-3,  282,  434 

Evidence,  79,  107,  143-4,  212,  325, 
469,  520,  526,  529 

Evils,  356,  421,  440,  465,  503,  512, 
557 

Evolution,  3-8,  21-2,  24,  39-42,  66- 
71,  98,  103,  107,  138-41,  160-7, 
183-91,  217-9,  232-79,  298-302, 
374,  393,  397-9,  436,  538,  554 

Exaggerations,  356,  419,  440,  485, 
546 

Excesses,  71,  260,  309-10,  335, 
341-2,  452,  485,  491,  514,  555 

Exclusion,  146,  163,  172,  226, 
314-5,  406,  412,  422 

Executive  boards,  committees  and 
councils,  37-9,  44-6,  64,  93,  99, 
107,  128,  138,  149,  154-5,  163-S, 
174,  179-80,  182,  186,  191,  193, 
200-1,  228-9,  241,  243-9,  251, 
257,  265-8,  294-5,  305,  370,  374, 
376,  387-8,  395,  400,  402,  404, 
407-8,  427,  430-1,  433,  450,  475-6, 

483,  500-1,  519,  524,  549 
Exemptions,  189,  309,  322-3,  456-7, 

535 
Exhibits,  357,  414,  418,  425 
Expectations,  69,  341,  507-^ 
Expenditures,    138,    294,   342,   462, 

476,  549 
Expenses,  59,  70,  78-9,  106,  111-2, 

1 16-7,  138,  187,  419,  450,  457-61, 

468,  519,  536 
Experience,  470,  477-9,  520,  541 
Experts,  415-6,  418-9,  429,   482-3, 


INDEX 


583 


Exposures,  87-8,  185,  329-30,  332, 

334,  504,  524.  529.  541 
Expulsion    of    members,   48,    107, 

157,  180,  271 
Extension,  117,  312,  316,  353,  365. 

368-9,   376,    398,    423.   468,   482, 

503-4,  521,  527,  554,  558 
Extremists,  393-4.  439 
Extortion,  156,  173 

Facilities,  117,  429 
Factors,   149.  388,  426,  536 
Factories,    4,    no,    316,    320,   413, 

418,  423-4,  435,  468,  493,  505,  510 
Facts,    343,    349,    427,    432,    477-9, 

492 
Failures,    70,    169-70,    194-5,    219, 

236,  315,  339.  341,  402,  412,  444, 

513,  524,  533,  554 
Fallacies-,   114,  437 
Families,  88,  438,  485 
Farmers,  89,  91,  365,  534 
Favor,  80,  90,  120-1,  298,  309,  314, 

317-8,  330,  336-7.  353-  391.  455 
Features,  122,  367,  392,  415,  552 
Federations,  92,  99,  105,   191,  371, 

374,  376-7,  475.  499.  5".  54i     „ 

Fees,  39,  66,  87,  100,  105-6,  158, 
182-3,  223,  229,  269,  275,  374, 
450,  500 

Fights,  130,  140- 1,  143,  328,  331, 
352,  354.  361,  364.  367.  370,  377, 
391-2,  455,  531.  53.5,  553 

Finance  and  financiers,  4,  7,  78, 
117,  123,  146,  155.  157-8,  256-7, 
302,  355,  373,  386-8,  394-5,  408, 
422,  428,  430,  449-50,  469.  476, 
499,  513,  518,  540-1,  550,  558-60 

Findings,  69,  92,  128,  317,  368,  535 

Fines,  46,  48,  72,  155,  157,  180, 
182-3,  186,  189,  193,  249,  261, 
27^,  3^7,  462,  501,  526,  529,  550 

Firms,  82,  291,  5CO,  508,  537,  547, 
553 

Foes,  86,  393,  439 

Food,  76,  349,  420,  434 

Force,  no,  184,  216,  307,  311,  324, 
336,  387,  401,  412,  430,  455,  463, 

^510,  535,  550,  557-9 

Foreman,  4-5,  54,  82,  118,  130,  192, 
220,  358,  518,  525.  527 

Formation   of  associations,   15-ao, 


40,    66-8,    81,    91-3,    103-4,    142, 

159,     184,    278,    300,    329,    357, 

397-8.  479-80.  538.  540 
Fifty-four-hour     week,     n6,    222, 

227,  234-6,  242,  267,  275,  277 
Forum.  360,  389,  477,  479,  483 
Fostered    associatioris,    13-5,    246, 

310-1,  370 
Freedom,    10,    72,    102,    126,    172, 

299,    303,    306-7,    373,    434,    451, 

483,  501,  504,  506,  514,  523,  531 
Functions,  99-100,  105,  276-7,  295, 

338,    368,    389,     398,    430,    444. 

475-6,  509,  539,  554 
Funds,  4,   38-40,  65-6,   105-6,   132, 

157-8,   160,   182-4,  216,  218,  224, 

246-8,    254,    257,    264,    295,    330, 

369,  387,  413,  417,  450,  476,  549- 

50 

Gain,  25,  302,  436,  467,  515,  541 
Gompers,    Samuel,    16,    144,    306, 

357,  435-8,  459-6o,  537 
Goodwill,  254,  277,  309,  396,  467 
Goods,  5-5,   170,  354.  5ii.  521 
Government,    3,    87,    90-1,    120-1, 
126,  146-7,  298,  301,  304-5.  307-8, 
314-8,  327-8,  355,  396,  401,  413, 
417,    424-5,    427-8,    433-4,    438, 
441,  453-8,  475,  478-80,  482,  489, 
491-2,  502,  514-S,  521,  526,  531, 
533-6,  558-9 
Government    of    associations,    37, 
64-5,  99,  107,  137-8,  154,  179-83, 
222,    228,    275-6,    292,    373,    387, 
450,  475,  500,  549 
Governors,  boards  of,    154-9,   165, 
174,  176,  263,  268,  272,  275,  405, 

471 
Graft    and    grafters,    23,    86,    88, 

161-2,  173,  184-6,  512,  554 
Grievances,  4,  5,  44,  153,  166,  181, 

191,  407,  457 
Grounds    for    agitation,    80,    115, 

125,  132,  504 
Groups,  9,  351,  355,  393.  4o8,  423, 

450.  460,  490-1,  532 
Growth,  9,  30,  63,    132,   368,    392, 

510,  517,  538,  550 
Guaranties,  55,  106,  118,  184,  217, 

298-9,  376-7,  425,  453,  514,  516, 

S18 


584 


INDEX 


Guards,    46,   75-6,    no,    132,    143, 

525.  S30 
Gunmen,  86,  no,  187 

Harding,  Wmt  G.,  330-2,  5*32 
Harmony,    66,    68,    I28*,    141,    185, 

282,  301,  358,  393,  508-10,  512 
Hatt'ed,   class,  322,  332,  340,  348, 

353,  393-4,  440 
Health,  320,  416,  421-3,  492 
Hearings,   44,    78,   90,    165,    21 1-3, 

313,  321,  415,  469,  501,  526 
Hostility,  60-1,  302,  448,  552 
Hours   of   labor,  49,   54,  89,    107, 
n4,  n6,  n9,  126,  132,  192,  197, 
222,  227,  232-6,  241-2,  250,   259, 
264,    267,    271,    275-6,    278,    301, 
308-9,    327,    352,    355,    364,    391, 
396,    406-7,   416,    419,    423,    435, 
456,  493,  514-5,  530,  557 
Housing,    413,    417,    419-20,    423, 

4^5,  434-5 
Hughes,   Charles   E.,  330-2 

Ideals,  303,  310,  356,  367,  533,  557 
Immigration,  89,  93,  146,  174,  197, 

314-S,  338,  361,  Z7(>,  399,  425, 
427,  429,  431-2,  434 

Income,  138,  317,  422,  434-5 

Incorporation,  222,  261,  318,  504 

Increases  in  costs,  355,  360,  485-6, 
514-5 

Increases  in  wages,  114-5,  138, 
251,  396,  483,  486,  517 

Independents,  18-9,  23,  87-8,  104, 
no,  118,  130,  138,  172,  189,  202, 
299,  306,  346,  352,  373,  452,  468, 
503-7,  512,  523,  526,  528 

Indictments,  86-8,  126,  142,  301, 
317,  354,  512 

Individuals,  4-5,  72-8,  85,  109, 
n4,  n8,  123,  133,  138,  153-4, 
156,  158,  183-4,  191,  198,  208-9, 
226,  273,  277,  291,  295-6,  298-9, 
305,  307,  328,  350,  373,  386,  392, 
410,  450-2,  454,  456,  459,  461-2, 
476,  478-9,  482-4,  486-8,  503, 
505,  507-8,  510,  516,  520-1,  526, 
554-5 . 

Industrial  relations,  11,  42,  90, 
129,  142,  144,  227,  237,  242-S, 
247,  268,  273,  277,  296,  317,  367, 


2,7?,,  389,  409,  412-3,  451,  465, 
468,  482,  499,  502-3,  508,  5 16, 
53-7,  *546,  556 

Indus.trial  warfare,  104,  437,  451, 
457 

Industrial  Workers  of  the  World, 
n,  17,  87,  90,  146,  349,  440 

Industry,  n,  15-6,  zi^  63,  98,  102, 
131,  137,  139,  142-S,  147,  171, 
174,  201-2,  207,  3Q+,  306-7,  310, 
314,  326,  337,  342,  353-4,  357, 
359,  361,  ZT>„  388,  405,  409-11, 
418,  430,  435,  450-1,  453,  4.58, 
468,  477-82,  48s,  488-9,  491,  502, 
5n-2,  514-5,  517-9,  521,  535, 
546,  549-50,  553-4,  5S6,  558 

Influen.ce,  7,  n6,  308,  312-3,  324-5, 
2,Z(i,.  338,  340-3,  355,  364-5,  391, 
401,  434,  453,  491-2,  538,  559 

Informal  associations,  103-4,  131. 
137,   148,  386,  475 

Information,  viii-ix,  77,  79,  no, 
126,  130-1,  241,  321,  331,  343, 
367-8,  2,72,,  Z7-:s,  40i,  418,  462, 
464-5,  477-8,  482,  489,  509,  521, 
523,  529,  540,  S5I 

Initiative,  72,  306,  502 

Injunctions,  26,  76,  79,  89,  no, 
119,  141 -2,  146,  149,  188-9,  197, 
259-61,  297,  308-9,  314,  32s,  327, 
335,  366,  427-8,  436,  456,  458-61, 
464,  466,  505,  5c6-7,  529-30 

Injured,  86,   n2,  253,  417,  535 

Inquiry,  418,  426,  428,  434,  540 

Inspection  and  inspectors,  124, 
320,  359,  413,  5n-2 

Institutions,  3,  87,  126,  298,  305-6, 
328,  335,  Z^7,  393,  430,  432, 
434,  443,  452,  468,  470,  478,  484, 
503,  S08,  514,  519,  530-1,  533, 
537 

Instruction  and  Instructors,  51, 
74-5,  81,  257,  276,  432 

Instructions  to  members,  78,  113, 
125,  464,  468,  529 

Instruments,  130,  2Z7,  469,  478-9, 
514,  516 

Insurance,  57,  82,  117,  125,  197, 
227,  250-1,  253-4,  309,  316,  320, 
399,  415-7,  421-2,  427-8,  434,  489, 
492,  506,  519,  538 

Interests,    13-4,   66,  89,   103,    113, 


INDEX 


585 


126,  138,  141,  154,  181,  185-6, 
195-6,  271,  292-5,  300,  302,  310- 
II,  314,  318,  321,  Z2T,  329,  335-6, 
338-9,  341-2,  344-5,  351-4,  369-70, 
372-3,  377.  390-6,  408,  410,  422, 
425,  440.  456,  464,  468,  477,  479- 
81,  483,  489,  501-3,  506-7,  509, 
516,  519,  536,  554 

Interference,  102,  i8d,  296,  299, 
339,  402,  453.  463,  507-8,  529, 
533 

INTERNATIONAL  arbitration  agree- 
ment. 209,  277 ;  Association  of 
Bridge  and-  Structural  Iron 
Workers,  2^,  98,  139,  143,  I45, 
170;  Association  of  Machinists, 
104,  107  -8,  398,  405 ;  Board  of 
Arbitration,  209,  214-5;  inter- 
relations, 130,  369-70;  Joint 
Conference  Council,  235,  273, 
276-8,  283;  Holders'  Union,  22, 
32,  40-2>  47-50,  55.  67-70,  409; 
Typographical  UnioiH  22,  209-11, 
214-5,  219,  232-4,  243,  254,  26s, 
276,  404,  409,  521 

Interpretations,  55,  14^,  171,  278, 
287,  296-7,  455,  490 

Interrelations,  17,  60,  83,  89,  91-3, 
120,  127-30,  137,  142-5,  147, 
174-6,  196-200,  224,  239,  255, 
260,  279-81,  301,  343,  361-72, 
376,  442,  458j  462,  465,  468, 
470-1,  483,  485,  493-4,  499,  515, 
518,  522,  528,  530,  551-2 

Intervention,  3,  461,  507 

Intimidation,  188,  306,  322,  335, 
455,  522,   526,  528-9 

Investigations,  66,  82,  84,  loi,  140, 
144,  172-4,  183,  188,  276-7,  315, 
329,  335.  349,  355-6,  358-9,  404, 
419-25,  427-8.  430-2,  434,  457, 
475,  477-8,  482,  484-7,  505 

Investment  and  investors,  116, 
132,  142,  161,  172,  314,  356,  393, 
42s,  434,  502,  518 

Iron  and  Steel  Industry,  37-iSO, 
207,  409 

Iron  Molder's  Union,  22,  32,  40-2, 
47-50,  5-5.  67-70.  409 

Issuers.  11-2,  49-50,  69-70,  108,  139, 
185-7.   192-3.  221,  278,  304,  336, 


338,    348,    389,    395.    402,    481-2, 
492,  513.  552r  556-7 

Jobs,  105,  355,  504,  507-8,  559 
Jcrurnals,  42-49,  340,  348,  418,  432, 

482 
Judges,  3^9,  335-6,  433.  527,  537-8, 
Judgment,  477,  481,  489,  S16 
Judiciary,  99,  298,  323-4.  .328,  331, 

334,  434.  454 
Jurisdiction,    lOi,   139,    154 
Jurisdictional    disputes,    145,    161, 

163,    185,    187,    189-91,   194,    198, 

551 
Justice,  306,  309,  357,  4i6,  479 

Kirby,  John,  Jr.,  131,  302,  313-4, 
316,  322,  326,  335,  341.  344-7. 
352,  362-4,  366,  370,  372,  439 

Knights  of  Labor,  21-2 

Label,  union,  46,  55,  229,  238-40, 
250,   353-4,  434,   554 

Labor,  21-3,  27,  40,  43-4,  54,  63-5. 
67,  70,  72-4,  7T,  80-1,  84,  86-7, 
^-91.  93.  102,  104,  108,  III, 
1 13-6,  1 19-21,  124,  127,  138,  142, 
144-7.  157.  160-2,  165-6,  171, 
174,  179,  181,  183-7,  190-1,  208, 
217,  226,  228-9,  231-2,  236,  241, 
2f43-5,  248,  252,  262,  264-5,  270-4, 
276,  278,  281-3,  296-312,  314, 
316-7,  321-6,  328,  330-6,  338-40, 
342-3.  347-8,  351-5,  358,  360,  363, 
365,  367-9.  2>1Z,  375-7,  401,  403-4. 
408,  410-3,  418-21,  427-8,  432, 
434-9,  441,  444,  449,  451-9,  462-S, 
467-70,  489-91,  502,  504-19,  521- 
2,7^  541,  545,  547-8,  551,  555-7, 
559-60 

Laborers,  119,  301,  352,  359,  Z7(i, 
440 

Lawlessness,  304,  341,  366,  435, 
453 

Laws,  2^,  65,  86-7,  89-90,  loi,  119- 
21,  125,  141,  146,  197-8.  219, 
253,  259-60,  276,  280,  297-8,  304- 
10.  312,  314-7.  320,  325,  335-6. 
340,  347.  354.  358,  360,  366,  376, 
393,  399,  402.  412-6,  423,  427, 
432.  434-5,  449,  451,  453-8,  460, 


586 


INDEX 


464,  470,   502-3,  511.  S13.  522-4, 

526-33,  555 
Lawsuits,     175-6,     194.     196,    456, 

460,  462 
Lawyers,     141,     164,     220-1,     333, 

388,  429,  537,  555 
Leaders,  association,  25fi,  293,  298, 

303,  307-8,  315-6,  325,  328,  333, 

340,  344-7,  352,  362,  371,  397, 
439,  470-1,  548-9,  551 

Leaders,  union,  18-9,  23,  JT,  86-8. 
120,  133,  161-2,  184-5,  298, 
303-4,  307,  316,  Z7^,  338,  352, 
354,  386,  388,  394-5,  4o8,  427, 
429,  453,  460,  468,  490,  504,  507, 
512-3,  517,  527-9,  533,  535 

Leaflets,  429-31,  434-8,  487,  540 

Lecturers  and  lectures,  126,  359, 
414,    418-9,   425,   428-9,   432,   437 

Legislation,  19,  89-90,  93,  loi,  118- 
21,  129-30,  133,  14^,  146-7,  155, 
174,  181 -2,  196-8,  229,  238,  259- 
60,  276-7,  280,  282,  295-8,  301, 
305,    308-25,    327-9,    331,    334-6, 

341,  347,  354-5,  360-1,  364-9, 
372-7,  389,  391-2,  399-402,  412-5, 
423,  428,  435,  449,  451,  453, 
456-8,  464-6,  469,  478-80,  489, 
491-2,  502,  504,  522,  525,  527, 
529-32,  548,  550-1,  555 

Legislatures,  181,  197-8,  Z'^'^-Z, 
347,  415,  482,  530 

Liability,  employers',  112,  197, 
314,  320,  414,  416 

Liberty,  295-6,  299,  304,  306-7, 
328,  451-4,  503,  518,  532 

Libraries.   344,  347,  468,   470,  484 

Limitations,  43,  55,  7i-2,  98,  102, 
126,  192,  292,  295-7,  299,  304, 
306-8,  312,  328,  353,  387,  444, 
449-54,  460,  503,  518,  532 

Lists,  330-1,  340,  434,   552 

Literature,  association,  81,  84, 
88,  125-7,  308,  315-6,  329,  336-7, 
342-5,  347,  360,  376,  418,  466, 
468,  524,  526-7,  551,  556 

Litigation,  125,  260-1,  312,  335, 
450,  458,  462-3,  469-70,  525,  527, 
555 

Littlefield,  Charles  E.,  323,  Z'27, 
330-1 

Lobby,  329,  333-4,  338 


Locals,  64,  81,   103,  105,  117,  130, 

132,  137,  141,  153,  226,  273,  499, 
5.52 

Lockouts,  22,  20,  42,  45,  yz,  102, 

161-2,  168,   171,  179,   187-9,  194, 

199,   207,   252-3,   273,   297,  369, 

389,  391,  397,  401-2,  405-6,  426, 
441,  457,  .5.54 

Loewe,  D.  E.  and  Co.,  454,  459 

Losses,  25,  28-9,  47,  52-3,  88,  116, 

145,  235,  302,  344,  355,  403,  422, 
4.34,  436,  5 IS 

Loyalty,  102,  112,  298,  507-8,  510, 
535 

McNamara  case,  92-3,  335-6,  363, 

436 
Machines,  43,  57-8,  63,  70,  72,  75, 

80-1,  123,  129,  192,  358,  426,  490 
Machinists,    99,     104,     io7-i8,     123, 

148,  398,  405,  485,  521-3,  534 
Magazines,    127,    337-8,    341,    350, 

432,  465,  467 
Management,   15,  8d,  89,   102,  119, 

296,  ZOT,  309,  349,  450,  508,  510, 
524-5,  531.  534 

(Managers,    4-6,    116-7,    179,    182, 

294,  314-  368,  374,  392,  411,  418 

Manufacturers,   91,    103,    109,   291, 

297,  306,  314,  318,  329-30,  332, 
338,  351,  355-8,  361,  365,  2,77, 
388,  432,  453-4,  478-81,  484,  486, 
488-9,    505,    510,    52D,    523,    531, 

535,  557 

Materials,  192,  194,  196,  299,  3^, 
460-1.  468,   524,  536,  539-40,  554 

Matters,  labor,  89,  107,  115,  142, 
181,  191,  248-9,  264,  272,  276, 
281,  292,  308,  320-5,  334,  347, 
365,  Z77,  389,  396,  398,  449, 
456-7,  465,  479,  502,  508-9,  51 1-2, 

536,  547-8,  550,  555 
Measures,    81,    83,     112-3,     120-1, 

300,  316,  325,  330,  ZZZ,  354,  368, 
413,  422,  528,  532,  535 
Mediation,     14,     90,     386,     396-7, 

399-413,  416,  434,  549-51,  553 
Meetings.  38,  45-6,  65,  147,  168, 
311,  344-6,  360-1,  365,  Z7Z,  387, 
394-5,  403,  410,  414,  418,  426-7, 
429,  487-9,  500,  528,  535-6,  S40, 
551 


INDEX 


587 


Members,  association,  37-9,  47-8, 
53,  56,  63-5,  73-9,  81,  83-6,  98-9, 
loi,  106-7,  109,  1 1 1-4,  116,  118, 
122-3,  125,  128-9,  132,  137-8, 
141,  148,  153-60,  169-70,  178-83, 
188-9,  191 -3,  195-7,  207-8,  223, 
226,  230,  235,  247-8,  256-7,  263-4, 
266,  269-75,  291-3,  302,  311,  321, 
331,  335,  340-3,  359,  362,  364, 
370,  373,  376,  386-7,  390,  403, 
422,  425,  449-51,  456,  462,  464, 
468-70,  475,  481,  493-4.  499-502, 
504,  519,  521,  523-4,  529,  546-53 

Members  of  Congress,  322,  330 

Members,  union,  8,  25,  27,  87, 
296,  345.  459,  467,  507,  550 

MEN,  business,  91,  314,  323,  327-8, 
333,  341.  346,  360-1,  488-9,  510, 
523,  528,  531,  536;  certificate, 
109-10,  132 

Menace,  87,  90,  307,  310,  315,  433, 
438 

Merritt,  Walter  Gordon,  130,  467, 
469,  471 

Methods,  26,  44-5,  57,  70,  72-91, 
102,  107,  109,  114,  124,  149,  256, 
296.  303,  3^3,  320-34,  358,  366, 
374,  377,  393,  404,  41 7,  420,  425, 
436-7,  452,  468,  487,   520 

Militarism  in  industrial  relations, 
II,  556 

Militia,  87,  318 

Mills,  350,  418-9,  424,  428,  517 

Minimum  wage,  54-5,  103,  126, 
309,  316,  399,  413,  423,  426,  434 

Minorities,  38,  87,  292,  305,  351, 
387,  532,  549 

Mitchell,  George,  40-2,  49,  60-1 

Models,  320,  339,  404,  409,  412-6, 
463.  530 

Molders,  54-5,  59,  65-6,  84,  148 

Monopolies,  63,  172,  188,  194,  237, 
460,  553-4,  558 

Motives,    149.  357,  39i,  436,  480 

Mounted  patrol,  522,  526 

Movements,  v,  vi,  31,  131,  339, 
352,  368,  389,  393,  399.  416,  42s, 
436-42,  452,  467-8,  494,  509,  513, 
520,  534,  541,  556-7 

Moving  pictures,  344,  3S7-6i,  418 

Mulhall  exposures,  329-30,  334 


Nagel,   Charles,  331-2 

Names,  348,  357,  372,  375,  399,  444, 

450,  531,  539,  545 
Negotiations,     11,    25,    48-58,    66, 

68-70,  78,  91,  104,  137,  145,  164, 

169-72,     202,     207,     220-1,     242, 

250-2,  274-s,  277,  282,  388,  398, 

403,  4",  463.  S06,  547-51,  5SS 
Negotiatory  associations,   14,  22-5, 

42,   46,   63,   66,    91,    104,    137-8, 

202,   207,   250,   282,    547-52,    554 
News,  337,  360,  429,  541 
Newspapers,     161-2,     207-8,     221, 

306,  339,  341,  345,  430,  482,  50s, 

521,  532,  539,  553-4 
Nominating   committee,    100,   288, 

294,  387.  500 
Non-members,     108,     116-7,     125, 

132,   157,  170 
Nonunion  workmen,  75-9,  83,  108, 

119,    139-40,   339,   352,   467,   509. 

516,  518,  522,  525,  528-9,  556 
Notices,    73-4,    77,    114,    118,    360, 

504,  524-5,   529-30,  S40 

Objects  of  associations,  38,  66, 
84,  loi,  138,  154,  178-9,  201, 
220,  229,  262,  273-4,  295,  299, 
329,  345,  373,  388,  390,  393,  421, 
431,  434.  450-1,  464,  478-9,  482-3, 
501,  548-9 

Obligations,  38-9,  65,  lOi,  182, 
275,  352,   392,  416-7,  513,  550 

Officers  of  associations,  38,  49-50, 
53,  64-S,  73-4,  92,  90-100,  108-9, 
1 13-4,  128,  130,  157,  179-80, 
228,  292-5,  320,  337,  347-8,  362, 
365,  370-2,  374,  376,  386-7,  392, 
400,  470-1,  476,  500,  540,  551 

OFFICIALS,  public,  90,  120,  329-32, 
422,  482,  532,  537-8,  551;  union, 
8,  II,  18-9,  70,  78,  113,  145,  185, 
188,  303,  357,  386,  410,  437-9, 
456,  490,  521,  557 

Open  shop,  31,  41-2,  63,  70-1,  75, 
79,  81-3,  85,  89,  108,  III,  1 16-7, 
138-40,  142-3,  145-6,  171,  194, 
202,  229,  231,  235-8,  240,  246, 
262-8,  282,  302-3,  315,  339-40, 
344,  346,  353-4,  361-2,  367-9, 
376-7,    399,    411,    426,    449,    451, 


588 


INDEX 


454,  460-4,  467-8,  471.  491,  499, 
508,  510,  51S-23,  525.  529.  535-7. 
539-41,  556 
Operations,    51,   6g,   91,    100,    130, 

368,  502 
Operatives,  79,  105-6,  112-3 
Opinions,  336-8,  340,  342-3,  347-8, 
352,    373,   389-91,  413,  429,   433, 
478-9,  481-3,  488,  535-6,  538,  552 
Opportunities,    72,    85,    297,    331, 
344,    351,    353,    402,    408-9,    434, 
467,  470,  479,  483,  502,  509,  517 
Opposition,  89-90,  93,  103,  119-20, 
128-9,   133,   142,    I4S-6,   174,  182, 
196-8,  230-1,  235,  259,  291,  296-9, 
301-3,   305,   308-17,  320-2,  325-7, 
332-5,  344,  364,  367-8,  373,  375, 
yjT,  422,  441,  451,  456,  458,  464, 
469,    490-2,    499,    503,    505,    515, 
521,  530-6,  548,  551-2 
Oppression,  120,  350-1,  394 
Order,  91,  14S,  168,  304,  337,  434, 
451,    502-3,    523-5,    531-2,    535, 
558 
Orders,  154,  I57,  180,  182,  550 
Ordinances,  238,  518,  524,   527-30, 

532,  535 

Organ,  official,  338-9,  540 
Organizations,  6,  15-20,  64,  68,  72, 
82,  102,  105-6,  108,  113,  130, 
144-7,  149,  156,  160,  186,  226, 
252,  296-7,  300,  302-6,  308, 
310-11,  325-6,  330,  335,  348,  357, 
361,  363,  370,  372,  375,  386, 
388-94,  396-9,  403,  406,  408,  410- 
II,  414,  422,  425,  428,  430-2, 
434-5,  437,  439-40,  451-4,  477, 
489-90,   499,   504,   519,   521,   528, 

533,  536,  538,  540,  556-8 
Organizers,  10,  86-7,  184,  410,  505, 

512,  514,  526,  541 
Output,   43,    71,    "77,   87,    103,    139, 

192,  299,  353,  426,  437,  519,  523 
Outsiders,   4,    60,    86,    125,    170-1, 

188,  296,  352,  387,  409,  453,  458, 

463-4,  507-8,  512,  553 
Owners,    117,    142,    145,    171,    184, 

187,  310,  358,  419 
Ownership,    90-1,    120,    123,    296, 

299,  315-6,  434.  442 


Palmer,  A.  Mitchell,  91,  331 
Pamphlets,    88,    308,    2,11,    34i-4« 

347,  368,  429-30,  465-7,  470,  518* 

532,  536,  540 
Parry,    David    M.,    301,    304,   316, 

334,   342,  347,  370,  437 
Parties,  3,  120,  133,  297,  316,  324-6, 

328,  331-2,  389-91,  400,  402,  406, 

507 
Patronage,   121-2,    132,  340-1,   518 
Pay,  54,  72,  78,  89,  102,  114,  138, 

2S>6,    354-6,    360,    387,   406,   416, 

503-4,  510,  519,  524,  553 
Payments,  59,  70,  102,  iii,  247-8, 

355,  464,  524,  556-7 
Payroll,  229,  450,  513,  549 
Peace,    67-8,   85,    102,    183-5',    309. 

338,   356,   375,   389-91,    396,   427, 

441,  443,  452-3,  464,  503-4,  S08-9, 

552,  555 
Penalties,   48,   457,  460,   516,   526, 

529 
Pensions,  353,  395,  399,  413,  415-6, 

421-2,  427 
People,    304,    306,    347,    353,    395, 

434-5,  514,  525 
Percentages,    58-9,    83,    87,    291, 

303,  352,  437,  509,  514 
Periodicals,  302,  429,  484 
Periods,  21,  30,  356,  452,  507,  515, 

546,  555,  559 
Perpetuation,  298-9,  374,  396,  514, 

531-3 
Persons,    S,    4,   86,    125,    255,    296, 

299,  328,  337,  348,  392,  395,  426, 

457,  477,  479,  50o,  508,  510,  524, 

537,  540 
Picketing  and  pickets,  88,  91,  no, 

261,    451,    457,    464,     518,    524, 

526-7,   529-30,   532 
Planks,  labor,  in  party  platforms, 

325-6 
Plans,    31,    79,     110-2,     123,     126, 

163-5,    ^72,    307,    325,    356,    396, 

415,  440,  465,  468,  499,  510,  523, 

531-2,  541 
Plants,  418,  454,  511 
Platforms,  party,    133,  325-8,  332, 

490 
Pledges,  65,    144,   297-8,  303,   458, 


INDEX 


589 


475,  478.  503,  505,  507,  511,  533, 
550 

Police,  75,  86,  no,  336,  354-5,  375. 
415,  420,  458,  526-30,  538 

Policies,  63,  69,  71-3,  90-1,  93, 
103,  128,  138-40,  147-8,  227,  229, 
232,  261,  265,  267,  273,  276,  294, 
301,  307,  311,  361,  374,  390-1, 
398,  413,  420,  451,  483,  488,  490, 
508,  510 

Politics,  25-6,  90-1,  120,  133,  197, 
295,  306-8,  312-3,  316,  320-34, 
347,  372,  375,  377,  388,  391, 
394-5.  432,  434,  436.  458.  478, 
480,  488,  S04,  522,  524,  532-3, 
550,  554-5,  558-9 

Position,  strategic,  27-9,  171,  174, 
221,  490,  553,  559 

Positions,  353,  510 

Post,  C.  W.,  140,  302,  439,  470 

Poverty,  314,  350,  492 

Power,  38,  65,  91,  100,  139,  154-5, 
180-2,  293-5,  297,  306,  308,  312, 
325,  328,  335,  348,  390-1,  415, 
433,  450,  454,  500-1,  515,  546, 
554 

Practices,  126,  172,  174,  194, 
219-20,  264,  276,  283,  356,  454-5. 
465.  503-5,  509,  512,  514.  535, 
550,  552,  557 

Preparation,  304,  320,  338,  343, 
468 

Preachers,  347,  429,  440,  532 

Preferential  shop,  346 

Prejudice,  298,  360,  392,  454 

Premiums,  56,  72,  102,  194 

Presentation,  321,  477,  492 

Preservation,  loi,  297,  305-7,  45 1, 
455,  462,  483.  502,  522,  531 

President  of  the  U.  S.,  90,  302, 
322-3,  336,  395 

Presidents,  38,  40-1,  43,  48,  SO. 
55-6,  64,  68,  93.  99.  114,  128, 
157,  179,  182,  222,  228,  292,  294, 
356,  374,  387,  408,  471,  483.  500 

Press,  the,  307.  340-2,  345.  360, 
388,  428,  430,  432,  483-4 

Pressure,  324-5,  453,  523 

PREVENTION,    65,    ^^,   83,    87,     1 12-3, 

116,  118,   132,   145-6,  303,  322, 

347-8,   356,    360,   391,    393,   4I3, 


422,  433,  437,  462,  465,  505,  516, 
554-5;  of  accidents,  85-6,  122, 
124-5,  133,  295,  357-9,  369,  399, 
413-4,  427;  of  lockouts,  179, 
273,  389,  397,  402,  426;  of 
strikes,  47,  67,  78-9,  81,  83-4, 
87-8,  112,  1 14-5,  118,  122,  124-5, 
132,  179,  252,  273,  318,  389,  397, 
402-3,  407,  426,  509,  551,  556 

Prices,  4,  23-4,  47,  52,  54,  56-60, 
69,  72-Z,  130,  154.  157,  173.  179, 
194,  202,  222,  250,  267,  282-3, 
353,  407,  409,  435,  437,  485-6, 
513,  537,  554-5,  558 

Principles,  41-4,  63-5,  68,  70-4, 
91,  101-4,  106-7,  109,  115,  128, 
138,  191-2,  202,  229,  231,  237, 
263,  271,  277-8,  296-9,  303,  307, 
331,  2,Z7,  339,  343-4,  347,  352, 
366-8,    yjz,    391,    396,    411,    415, 

433,  452,  454,  468,  482,  490, 
501-3,  507-9,  514,  5x6,  523-4, 
527,  533-5,  547-9,  553 

PRINTING,  222,  255-9;  trades,  207- 
90,  354,  410,  499,  515 

Privileges,  53,  185,  271-3,  298,  306, 
331.  532-3 

Probationary  members,  78,  116, 
519 

Problems,  4-5,  63,  84,  89,  117,  277, 
281,  283,  298,  300,  303,  310, 
338-9,  343.  376.  389,  393,  395, 
397,  401,  422-3,  425-6,  428,  431-3, 
435,  444,  449,  45 1,  454-6,  463, 
468,  475-8,  480-2,  484,  486,  489, 
504,  5 1 1,  521-2,  552,  558,  560 

Proceedings,  127,  141 -2,  164,  220-1, 
388,  459,  555 

Procedure,  73-4,  109,  209,  212, 
214-5,   219,    277,   399,    413,    427, 

434,  477 

Production,  85,  87,   102,  196,  350, 

353,   355,  423.  468,   502,   510-11, 

5 1 3-6.  519.  535 
Productivity,    114,    196,    299,    367, 

510,  514 
Products,  4.  Z7,  291,  296,  455,  459. 

S16,  547 
Professionals,   6,  80,    109-10,    114, 

347,  430,  488,  499,  512,  519,  527 


590 


INDEX 


Profit  sharing,   122,  126,  243,  351, 

427-8,  434,  452,  465 
Profits,  23,  25,  252,  309,  409,  491, 

553 
Programs,  126,  186,  272,  453,  479, 

482 
Progress,  85,  90,  117,  131,  298,  306, 

332,   359,    367,   389-90,   392,   434, 

440,  452-3,  481-2,  488,  502-3,  519. 

521.  536 
Prohibition,  47,   55,  68-9,  72,,   119, 

122,  154-6,  163,  179-80,  186,  192, 

207,    209,    342,    435,    457-8,    518, 

529 

Promotion,  13-4,  86,  143,  196,  198, 

295,  299,  31 1-2,  318-9,  339,  2,73, 
389,  393,  409-12,  421,  424,  451-2, 

454,    468,    476-9,    482,    499,  510, 

513,  518,  520,  539-41 
Propaganda,  88-9,  123,  125-8,  133, 

148,  291,  312,  2,22,,  335-7,  344, 
346-8,  355-6,  358-9,  361,  277,  386, 
394,  399,  422,  425-42,  463-4,  492, 

514,  524,  547,  549-51 
Property,  3,  15,  46,  296,  299,  306-7, 

309-10,    350,    438,  451,   503,   510, 
513-4,  526,  552 
Property  rights,  307-9,  312,  463-4, 

503,  524,  531-3,  553 
Proponents,  320,  422,  457,  527 
Proposals,   37,    89,    119,    254,    311, 

313,  316,  326,  356,  375,  415,  451, 

458,  468,  528,  530 
Prosecution,  46,  162,  196,  335,  455, 

457-9,  462,  464-5,  524 
Prosperity,  126,  200,  351,  360,  389, 

393,   396,   408,   476,   479-82,   517, 

546-7,  555,  559 
Protection,   30,  75,    loi,    no,    112, 

115,  139,  141,  295,  312,  336,  354, 

357,  413,  4SO-I,  453,  455-6,  458, 

462-4,   502,  505,   509,  518,  523-6, 

528 
Protests,   89,    119,    144,    147,    197, 

297,    309-11,    314,    321-3,    325-6, 

481,  528-31,  535 
Provisions,  118,  192,  229,  250,  309, 

375,  413,  415,  460,  490,  531 
Public,  121,  125,  127,  133,  142,  161, 

187,    292,    295,    315,    319,    324-6, 

329,    332-3,    335-8,    340,    342-4, 


347-8,  350,  354-6,  360,  27Z,  386, 
388-91,  393-4,  401,  413-4,  417, 
419-20,   422-3,   428-30,   432,   434, 

442,  451,  453,  458,  464,  477,  479- 
81,  483,  490-1,  502-4,  511,  515-6, 
533,  535-6,  555 

Publications,  81,  84,  86,  88-9,  122, 
124-6,  142,  186,  315-6,  325-6, 
328,  227,  340-4,  355,  414,  418-9, 
425,  429-31,  449,  465-8,  483,  485, 
487,  502,  512,  520-1,  541 

Publicity,  113-4,  126,  162,  181,  336, 
339,  342,  345,  361,  403,  409-10, 
433,  444,  534,  539 

Purposes,  84,  103,  128,  133,  138-9, 
145,  154,  193,  295,  298,  318, 
323-4,  329-30,  339,  343,  345,  353, 
367-8,  386,  389,  392-4,  397,  417, 
428,  451,  455,  459,  464,  476-9, 
483,  492,  501,  510,  540-1,  547-8, 
552,  557 

Questionnaires,  233,  428,  465,   525 

Questions,   47,   66,    loi,    107,    115, 

127,     132,     142,     192,    301,     320, 

338-9,  344,  388-90,  394,  400,  402, 

406,    423,    428,    430,     433,    451, 

463-5,  467,  477,  481,  483,  537, 
5^8 

Radicalism  and  radicals,  75,  84, 
88,  307,  310,  315,  320,  335,  340-2, 
356,  360,  393,  437,  504,  509,  511, 
5 1 3,  524,  527,  531-2,  5.34 

Railroads,  90,  116-7,  120,  130,  147, 
314-6,  318,  341-2,  2^,  27^,  391, 
395-7,  404-7,  409-10,  412,  435, 
531-2 

Recognition,  11,  113,  138,  144,  157, 
196,  199,  277,  314,  337-8.  375, 
392,  394,  406,  441,  488,  506,  508, 
522,  525,  531,  551 

Recommendations,  156-7,  160,  195, 
'2'(>7,  341,  347,  413,  422-3,  490 

Records,  75-7,  80,   108-9,    118,  470 

Reductions,  17,  47,  58-9,  80,  109, 
122,  125,  132,  138,  255,  310,  341, 
358,  413,  505.  509,  511,  519 

Referendum,  264,  270,  274,  306, 
317.  363,  433,   549 

Reformers  and  reforms,  333,  336, 


INDEX 


591 


342,   347.   349-50,  360,   399,  413. 

427.  435.  439 
Refusals,  69-70,  73,  102,  104,  113, 

145,  196,  296,  30s,  352,  398,  406, 

508 
Regulation,     government,     119-20, 

133.  314-5.  435.  554 
Regulations,  71,  iii,  180,  182,  191, 
261,  263,  267-8,  271-2,   305,  437, 
509.   550 

RELATIONS,  3-4,   72,  85,  88,    102,   IO4, 

255.  350,  373,  376,  386,  393-5. 
413,  426,  463,  479,  482-3,  503, 
S06-7.  509,  551.  555;  industrial, 
II,  66,  68,  227,  237,  242-3,  247, 
268,  273,  277,  295-6,  342-3,  373, 

389.    395.    409.    412-3,    451.    465. 
468,    479,   482,   490.    499,    502-3, 
508,  512,  516,  537.  546,  556 
Relief,  56,  74,  421,  424,  528 
Remedies,  312,  373,  451,  462,  464 
Removal,    79-80,    392,   416,    559-60 
Reports,    79,    114,    264,    272,    337, 
41S-6,    419-21,   427.   429-32,    435, 
449,   469,  475,   482-4.   486-9.   540 
Representation,    31,    81,    118,    154, 
179,  243,  292,  305,  396,  452,  465, 
468,  521,  553 
Representatives,    11,    15,   64,  68-9, 
80-1,  83,  89,  98,  iio-ii,  113,  120, 
144,  147,  178-9.  183-5.  190-2,  196, 
226,  291,  298.  318.  321.  324,  346, 
362,  366,  388-9,  392.  394,  401-3, 
410-11,   428,   432-3,   449-50,   471, 
482,   488,   490-1,   499-500,    506-8, 
514.  521,  530,  533 
Requirements,    73-4,    157,    159-60, 

191,  195,  197,  276,  478 
Research,    132,   242,    476-8,   482-3, 

487-9.  491 

Reserve,  65-6,  105-6,  no,  132, 
IS7-8,  160,  508.  526-7,  550 

Resignations,  266,  501,  523 

Resistance,  109,  307,  45 1,  455,  458, 
554 

Resolutions,  41,  59,  91,  100,  126-7, 
129,  144,  153,  182,  221-2,  236-7, 
250,  294,  301,  303,  310,  314,  322, 
325-7.  329.  341-2,  344.  361,  366, 
477,  491-2,  510,  514,  520,  529, 
533-4,  539 


Responsibility,    5,    L46,    260,    307. 

320,  359,  390,  423,  453-4,  457,  504 

508,  520 
Restraints,     60-1,     91,     118,     176, 

188-9,  304-5,  335.  454,  461,  505, 

513,  526 
Restrictions,  43,  72,  77,  85,  87,  89, 

102-3,    126,    130,    139.    154,    174, 

179,  192,  197,  271,  299,  308,  310, 
314,  317,  319-20,  355.  361,  426, 
432,  514-7.  523,  527,  532,  555 

Results,  5,  355,  372,  398,  410,  478, 

492,  508 
Retaining,  114-5,  118 
Returns,  83,  93,  367,  393,  396,  435. 

521 
Revenues  of  associations,  374,  387, 

450,  500 
Revolution,    129,   302,   393-4,    399. 

42s,  436-42 
Rights,   II,  15,  68,  72,   101-2,  144, 

192,  262,  294,  296-7,  299,  305-9, 

312,  324,  334.  411.  433.  449.  451. 

453-6,     462-4,    468-9,     490,    494, 

502-4,  506,  508-9,  514,  516,  518-9, 

523-4.  531-3.  553 
Riots,  354,  357,  5i3.  523.  526 
Rules,  43-4.  47.  55,  59.  65,  71.  loi, 

180,  182,  186-8,  190-3,  195.  210-1, 
249,  261,  263-4,  267-8,  270-2,  386, 
459,  477.  501,  513,  517 

Rupture,  389,  396,  401,  404 

Sabotage.  530,  559 

Safety,    82,    85-6,    114,    124,    356, 

358.  416.  Sio-i 
Salaries,  64,  84,  375,  484 
Sanitation,   82,  85,    114,    122,  237, 

396,  417.  510 
Savings,  253,  356,  417.  423-4,  434, 

510 
Scabs,  75.  77,  525 
Scales,  126,  208,  216,  274,  278,  282 
Schools,    83,     119-20,     123-4,    222, 

230-1,  255-9,  271,  274,  280,  301, 

318-9,    344.    358,    369,    375,    423. 

440,  518,  520,  527 
Secret   service,    79-80,    no,    112-3, 

132,  138,  550 
Secretary,  41-2,  44,  48,  55,  60,  64, 

99,   107,  109,   122,  179,  182,  222, 


592 


INDEX 


228,  239,  244,  259,  264,  270,  275, 

294-5.    374,    376.    387,    408,    450, 

491.  500,  532.  536.  539-40 
Senators,   U.   S.,   317,   321-2,  433, 

530 
Services,  79-80,  82,  90,  no,  112-3, 

121,   132,   I4S-6,  317,  323,  330-1, 

390,  401,  413,  422,  430,  457,  479, 

485-6,   491,    503,    506,    Sio,    535, 

550 
Settlements,  44,  49-50,  53,  65,  68, 

70,  74,  102,  179,  397,  400,  4O2-7, 

409,  412,  426,  433,  482,  524,  551, 

556 
Sherman  anti-trust  Act,  26-7,  309, 

322,  325,  413,  427,  456.  459,  461 
Shop  (closed,  open,  preferential) 

Significance,  vi,  499,  503-4,  53^, 

560 
Skill,  49,  114,  138,  149 
Sluggers,  75,  88,  no,  335,  5I3,  521, 

525 
Socialism  and  Socialists,  87,  120-1, 

306-7,    314,    317,    333,    337,    353, 

356,    393-4,    425,    429,    433,    435. 

437-42,  531,  534,  551 
Society,    298,    391,    433,   437,    440, 

451,  531,  558 
Solutions,  37,  310,  339,  389-90,  444, 

477-8,  480,  482,  536,  555-6 
Speakers,    128,    330-1,    337,    360-6, 

428-9,  442 
Special       Standing       Committee, 

2C^-9,  218,  220,  223-4 
Spies,  79.  no,  509,  550 
Spirit,  332,  348,  350,  355,  387,  389- 

90,  416,  453-4,  478 
Stability,  367,  458,  476,   479,  502, 

536,  559 
Staff,   81,   99,   294,   360,   387,  401, 

449,  476,  482-3,  487-9,  500-1 
Statements,  113,  302-3,  307-8,  328, 

341-2,    345,    350,    357,    390.    392, 

402,  420,  427,  430-1,  437,  449,  451. 

467,  476.  478,  489,  492,  501,  503, 

528,  533,  548-9,  551 
Stock  and  Stockholders,   117,  123, 

142,    310,    351,    356,    392,   408-9, 

422,  46s,  525 
Stoppages  of  work,  43,  187,  193 
Stores,  349-50,  419-20,  428 


Strength     of    Associations,     292, 

546-7,  555 

Strife,  171,  348,  432-3,  504.  512 

Strike  breakers,  45,  74-5,  84,  109- 
12,  n9,  149,  246,  255-6,  335,  455, 
530 

Strikers,  46,  87,  102-3,  in,  455, 
524-5,  528-9 

Strikes,  3,  n,  18-19,  21-2,  27-9,  32, 
40,  42,  44-6,  59,  70,  73-9,  86-8,  91, 
102-3,  106,  108-18,  132,  139, 
141-2,  146,  161,  163-5,  168,  183, 
185,  187-90,  193-4,  196-7,  200, 
209,  217,  220,  227,  234-6,  245, 
247-8,  250-1,  263,  265,  272,  297, 
299,  303.  312,  318,  336,  3SI-2, 
354-5.  369.  386,  389,  391,  397-8, 
400-10,  426,  436.  451,  453-5,  457- 
60,  463-4,  48s.  503-5,  509.  512-3. 
515-6,  519-26,  529,  532,  535, 
538-9.    546-7,    551..    555-6.    558-9. 

Structure  of  associations,  37,  90, 
104-5,  131,  137-8,  200,  222,  228, 
2^:8,  270-1,  273,  475 

Struggles,  104,  138,  187,  232-5. 
242,  267,  301,  395,  426,  443,  523. 

554 
Students,    63,    316,    343,   465,    482, 

488-9.  537 
Studies,    399,    412,   414,   419,   421, 

424-5,  441,  463,  468,  476-7,  480-2, 

485-6,  491 
Sub-committees,  389,  403,  423 
Subcontractors     and     subcontract- 
ing, 139,  157,  159-60,  1957 
Suborganizations,  328,  387 
Subscriptions,    123,   351,    387,   465, 

476,   500 
Subsidiaries,  139,  370-2,  533,  535 
Success,    169-70,    194-5,    307,    33/7, 

354,  398,  402,  407-8,  555 
Suggestions,    374,    475,    477,    489, 

539 
Suits,  146,  458,  461,  463 
Summary,     343,     407,     424,     434, 

545-62 
Superintendents,  81,  130,  358,  525, 

528 
Superiority.  6,  11,  138,  354 
Superorganization,   6 
Supply,  45-6,  53,  77,  81,  no,  n8-9, 

130,  274,  319,  344,  489,  S15,  555 


INDEX 


593 


Support,  83,  III,  1 18-9,  123,  147, 
193,  256-7,  272,  296.  323,  326-7, 
329,  332,  341.  347.  358,  363-4. 
369,  374-5.  449.  457-8,  462,  503. 
522-4,  532-3 

Suppression,  90,  451,  523 

Supremacy,  351,  451.  453 

Supreme  Court  of  the  U.  S.,  332, 
457,  459.  461-2 

Suspicion,  402,  481,  488 

Sympathizers,  351,  3S6,  392,  507, 
523.  532 

Systems,  69,  72-3,  102,  112-3,  121, 
129,  132,  147,  172,  230,  239,  243, 
255,  282,  296,  307,  318,  358,  361, 
374.  376,  392.  394.  432,  504.  5 16, 
522,  550,  556-7,  560 

Taft,  302,  318,  328-32 

Taxes    and    taxpayers,    309,    317, 

354,  415.  491.  523 
Teachers,    89,    347-8,    375,    423-4, 

440,  532 
Tenements,  424,  434-5 
Terms,  51,  216,  389,  455,  506,  511, 

516 
Terrorism,   119,  133,  336,  348 
Tests,  108,  304,  314,  422,  516,  545 
Theories,   85,    114,   316,   336,   35i, 

390,    394,    397,    434-5,   440,   485, 

553 
Threats,   49-50,  78,   109,   120,   188, 

197.    333,    393,    397,    40i,    404-7. 

429.  463-4,  509,  514,  522-3,  556, 

558,  560 
Trade  associations,  153,   159,   161, 

165-7,   170,   178,  187,  191,  196-7, 

200,  410,  546 
Trade,    68,    145,    164-5,    176,    185, 

230-1,    276,   297,    335,   345,    347, 

418,  489,  5",  513,  533.  558 
Traditions,  305,  503,  533-4,  537 
Training,  80-1,    123-4,    196,   255-6, 

262,    274-5,    301,   319,   356,    358, 

399,  419,  427,  518-9 
Treasurer,  38,  64,  99,  I57,  222,  228, 

270,  275,  294,  374,  476,  500 
Treatment,  77-^,  86,  422,  429,  479, 

508 


Trials,  71,  90,  143-4,  180,  197,  297, 
309,  456,  460 

Troubles,  44,  64,  68,  73-4,  79-80, 
108-9,  114,  118,  125,  132,  141, 
145,  160,  169-70,  183,  187-8,  208, 
243.  336.  348.  351-2.  397.  4or, 
411,  464,  469,  502,  523-4,  530, 
535.  547,  555.  559 

Trusts,  7,  291,  303,  306,  391,  395, 
546 

Turnover,  labor,  358,  482,  505 

Types  of  associations,  20-1,  475, 
552,  554 

Tyranny,  304,  351-2,  394,  454 

Umpire,   70,   73,    163-4,    166,    168, 

215,  404 
Understanding,  141,  359,  391,  393, 

479-80,  502,  510,  536 
Unemployment,  349,  359,  424,  505, 

559 
Unfadr,  49,  114,  196,  327,  453,  460, 

503,  512,  516 

Uniform  form  of  agreement, 
32-3,  188,  190,   192-5 

Uniformity,  374,  413-4,  470,  483 

Unionism  and  unions,  vi,  viii,  5, 
7-8,  21-9,  31,  47-8,  60,  68,  84, 
86-8,  91,  98,  103-4,  109,  III,  113, 
1 16-7,  119-22,  126,  131,  133,  139- 
47.  161-6,  168-72,  174,  183-4, 
187-91,  196,  208-11,  214-S,  219- 
21,  231-4,  238,  240,  243.  246,  249, 
251,  254,  258,  260-1,  264,  276, 
281-2,  291,  298,  302-5.  317,  320, 
332-3,  336-7.  340-1,  343,  348, 
351-6,  364,  366,  391,  393-4.  404-6. 
409-11,  413,  425-6,  435-9,  452-5, 
457-61,  465.  469,  490-1,  503-22, 
524-6,  528-32,  534.  537,  540,  545, 
548,  550-3,  555-8 

Unrest,  113-4,  342,  348,  353,  360, 
434,  465.  505,  510-11,  536,  559-60 

Urging,  86,  91,  114-5,  118,  123, 
145,  182,  328,  331,  333,  335. 
342-3.  355-6,  358,  413-4,  417,  492, 

504,  509-10,  519,  533 

Van  Cleave,  James  W.,  41-2,  61, 
302,  322,  327-9,  334,  3^2,  345, 
347,  350-1,  356-7,  362 


594 


INDEX 


Vice    Chairman    and    Presidents, 

38,  64,  99,  157,  179.  222,  228,  270, 

27s,  294,  387.  476,  500 
Views,  418,  477-8,  483,  537,  541 
Vigilance,  80,  103,  509 
Violations,    69-70,    146,    168,    194, 

218,   260-1,   2yT,    297,    335.   457, 

460,  463-4,  520,  524,  526,  529-30 
Violence,  75,  79,  88,  103,  119,  I49, 

162,  183,  325,  349,  354,  455,  503, 

525 
Vote,  65,   91,   100,    179,    190,   275, 

279,    293,    332-3,   336,   433,    440, 

491,  500,  533 

Wage-earners,  85,  196,  351,  388, 
399,  401,  411,  416,  421,  528 

Wage,  minimum,  54-5,  58,  103, 
126,  309,  316,  399,  413,  423,  426, 
434 

Wages,  4,  II,  44,  49,  51,  55,  57-9, 
66,  70-3,  JT,  84-5,  102-3,  107,  III, 
114-6,  118,  123,  126,  132,  138, 
145,  156,  167,  194,  208,  216, 
241-3,  248,  253,  258,  264,  271, 
2."]^,  276-8,  282,  296,  310,  339, 
349-5:3,  355,  375,  391,  393,  396, 
406-7,  416,  420-4,  435-7,  485-6, 
503-4,  509-11,  513-5,  519,  523, 
537,  556-7 

Wall  Street,  116-7,  132,  408 

War  and  warfare,  27-8,  90,  100, 
104,  107,  112,  141,  143-4,  304, 
312,  317,  330,  338,  353,  412,  437-8, 
451,  457,  467,  477,  490,  492,  516, 
519-21,  524,  535,  550,  556 

Warnings,  80,  145,  403,  526 

Wars  and  wartime,  4,  23-4,  87, 
144,  527,  535 

Watson,  James,  330-1 

Weakness,  99,    138,   350,  409,   524 

Wealth,  5,  356,  491 


Week,    116,    167,    197,    222,    227, 

232-5,  250,  275,  277 
Welfare,   84,    104,    299,    316,    341, 

353,  367,  388-9,  391-3,  399,  414, 
416-9,  421-3,  429,  434,  443,  451, 
477-9,  481,  483,  488,  502,  511, 
536,  550,  555 

Welfare  work,  367,  393,  399,  416- 
25,  428,  .443-4,  550,  555 

Well-being,  416,  434,  479,  481 

Williams,  John  Sharp,  325 

Women,  349,  356,  358,  360,  388, 
399,  421-2,  424 

Work,  43,  45-6,  52,  54,  59,  66, 
68-9,  72-5,  JT,  102,  114,  126,  130, 
138,  187,  190,  192-3,  217,  272, 
301,  353,  355,  416-7,  421-3,  426, 
429,  431,  483,  487,  494,  502-3, 
510,  518,  526,  535 

Work  day,  shorter,  103,  116,  352, 
355,  406,  413,  416,  426,  515 

Workmen,  4-5,  zi,  39,  47,  58,  68, 
74,  80-1,  84,  86-8,  91,  98-9,  101-2, 
IDS,  109-10,  1 12-5,  1 17-8,  122-7, 
132-3,  138,  144-5,  149,  1 70-1, 
180,  184,  188-9,  192,  194,  240-1, 
252,  256,  262,  272,  292,  297,  301, 
304,  316,  336,  339-40,  348-56, 
358,  360,  389-92,  394,  410,  412, 
419-20,  422,  452,  454,  461-2, 
467-8,  479,  481,  490,  S04-5,  507- 
10,  512-4,  518-9,  525,  527,  534-5, 
547,  553,  557-60;  mdependent  or 
nonunion,  83,  87,  104,  no,  118, 
130,  138,  140,  187,  199,  262,  306, 
339,  352,  468,  503,  505.  507,  512, 
518,  523,  525-6,  528-9;  skilled, 
118,  124,  132,  149,  171,  301,  319, 
505,  518,  533 

Workmen's  Compensation,  120, 
122,    125,    197-8,    253,    298,    320, 

,  358,  413-5.  427-8,  434 

Works  Councils,  31,  468 


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^'^finpioyers  *  associations  in  the 
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I  Bonnett,  C.E. 

Employers*  associations  in  the 
United  States. 


University  of  Cal. 

Southern  Regie 

Library  Facil 


